Texas state breast cancer plan: 18-year report card

Abstract

6156 Background: In the 1980s, the Texas State Health Department projected that between 1986 and 2000 the number of new cancer cases in Texas would increase by more than 85%. In 1986 the Legislature responded by creating the Texas Cancer Council (TCC) to implement and administer the statewide cancer incidence and mortality reduction program. Funding came from tax dollars. Existing agencies and organizations served as the building blocks to implement the programs through competitive grants. The objective of this study is to evaluate results of the breast cancer action plans. Methods: TCC databases, funded projects and publications were researched and analyzed. Incidence and mortality data were obtained from the Texas Cancer Registry. Results: Between 1986 and 2003, TCC funded over 150 project years for breast cancer related programs (alone or in combination with other cancers) focusing on public, professional education, screening, resource development and data collection. It produced the State Breast Cancer Action Plan in 1993 and 2003, funded development and operations of Cancer Registry, Texas Cancer Data Center, Physician, Nursing and Medical Student Oncology Education Programs (POEP, NOEP, CATCHUM), Texas Cancer Gateway, mammographic units etc. Large population has been reached. Major beneficiaries of education and screening programs were non- and under insured, minorities and rural population (groups traditionally bypassed by preventive care) in all regions of the state. Age-adjusted breast cancer mortality between 1992–2001 (EAPC) decreased by 2.2 but varied between different races. Racial (White, Hispanic, African American) incidence, morality and regional differences have been documented. Conclusion: This seems to be an effective model for coordinated and cooperative public, private and volunteer organizations efforts toward reducing the cancer burden. No significant financial relationships to disclose.