CCC Improves Access to Breast Cancer Programs
Critical funding enables Council of Community Clinics to improve access to breast cancer programs for uninsured patients.
Contact: Stephen O'Kane(619) 542-4300
Media Inquiries: Vince Heald (858) 453-9600
SAN DIEGO -- The very population that is least likely to explore breast cancer prevention and early intervention services - the uninsured, low income and ethnically diverse - can access these and other services through their local community health center. Community clinics and health centers offer health and mental health services to culturally diverse populations in the language spoken by the patient.
The Council of Community Clinics (CCC), which is a private, nonprofit association, supports 17 community clinic and health center organizations operating more than 80 primary care sites throughout San Diego, Imperial, and Riverside Counties. Its mission is to represent and support community clinics and health centers in their efforts to provide access to quality health care and related services for the diverse communities they serve with an emphasis on low income and uninsured populations.
"The sad truth is that until we find a cure, our best defense against this virtual epidemic of breast cancer is early detection," said Vicky Penland, CEO of the Council of Community Clinics.
San Diego County has a higher incidence of breast cancer than California overall. The age-adjusted incidence rate of breast cancer in San Diego County in 2000 was 139.2 per 100,000 females, compared to 133.8 statewide. In 2002, the rate of female breast cancer deaths per 100,000 females was 28.1 in San Diego County, compared to the state average of 24.1. Seeing a higher than average incidence rate here, the CCC is taking the opportunity to remind all women about the importance of annual mammograms and breast self-exams in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness month taking place during October.
In order to improve the breast health of this at-risk population, care coordination and patient navigation services are needed to better coordinate breast care services, and to remove economic, cultural, and geographic barriers. "With these breast cancer programs now funded and in place, clinics can have a bigger impact in terms of awareness, prevention and early intervention," said Penland.
With funding support from the Avon Foundation's Breast Cancer Crusade, the CCC has initiated the Community Clinic Breast Cancer Care Coordination Project. This project supports breast cancer care coordinators in six community health center organizations to provide culturally competent care coordination, case management, referral follow-up, transportation and translation assistance, and other support services to low-income, ethnically-diverse, uninsured and uninsured patients.
Breast cancer care coordinators work with patients to assure they access breast care services, complete all needed follow-up appointments, get linked with specialists, and have their questions answered about treatment requirements. Last year, the six participating clinic organizations collectively accommodated approximately 11,500 women for breast cancer services, including outreach, education, support services, and direct care services. Close to 90% of these patients were uninsured.
Through funding provided by the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, San Diego Affiliate, the CCC can now provide breast cancer diagnostic services to San Diego County women who are uninsured or underinsured and who do not qualify for other sources of funding. In operation since April of 2004, the CCC's Breast Cancer Diagnostic Pool funds breast cancer surgical consultations and surgical biopsies for this growing patient population. Between April 2005 and March 2006, 63 clinic patients received breast cancer diagnostics and a total of 163 authorizations were made, including mammograms and other imagings, ultrasounds, surgical consultations, needle aspirations, excisional biopsies, and ancillary services.
"Over the past two years, we have witnessed both the increased need for breast cancer diagnostic services, as well as rising costs," Penland said. "With the invaluable assistance of our funding partners, our clinic organizations have developed breast cancer programs with dedicated staff committed to improving both access to care and health outcomes for their patients with breast cancer."
To find a clinic near you, call (619) 542-4300 or visit online at www.ccc-sd.org.
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Established in 1977, the Council of Community Clinics (CCC) is composed of 17 community clinic and health center organizations operating more than 80 primary care sites throughout San Diego, Imperial and Riverside Counties. The mission of the CCC is to represent and support community clinics and health centers in their efforts to provide access to quality health care and related services for the diverse communities they serve with an emphasis on low income and uninsured populations. For more information, please call (619) 542-4300 or visit online at www.ccc-sd.org.