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Komen Oregon and SW Washington Releases Community Profile Which Identifies Breast Health Needs In The Region

May 20, 2016

May 18, 2016, Portland, Oregon – Every four years, Komen Oregon and SW Washington conducts a needs assessment within their 40-county service area. This Community Profile, which identifies the status of breast health and services in Oregon and SW Washington, is currently available online at KomenOregon.org.. 

Cindy Fletcher, director of programs for Komen Oregon & SW Washington, says “A key finding is that, in our area, 63 women and men are diagnosed with breast cancer every week, and 11 individuals will die. The in-depth, 83-page Community Profile helps us to identify specific needs, disparities, and underserved communities.  We rely on this information when developing initiatives and supporting programs to achieve the greatest impact.” The local Komen organization has provided funding for programs to increase breast health education, screening, treatment, and support since 1991.

The current report revealed four target communities where there is additional need for breast health services. Linn and Curry Counties in Oregon and Cowlitz County in Washington showed higher rates of death and late stage diagnosis.  The tri-county area (Multnomah, Clackamas, and Washington Counties) has a higher concentration of women of color, which experienced a lower screening rate and high percentage of late-stage diagnosis.  Komen is focusing efforts on bringing services into these three counties, in addition to their culturally appropriate programs for women of color – the Latina Initiative, in the Latina community, and Worship in Pink, in the African American Community. The full community profile report is available at  http://komenoregon.org/mission/communityneed.aspx.

Overall breast cancer incidence rate in Oregon and Southwest Washington is 6% higher than the national rate, and screening rates are 2% below the national rate.  Fletcher adds, “We believe that removing financial barriers and improving education and access to health and screening programs will lead to more timely treatment of breast cancer, resulting in a decrease in late-stage diagnosis and death.”

About Susan G. Komen Oregon and SW Washington

In the last 25 years, the local organization has funneled nearly $19.8 million into programs that prioritize the importance of improving and building on the quality of life for survivors, emphasize the value of early detection and screenings, as well as financial assistance for access to treatment.  Another $11.9 million has been dedicated to local cutting edge research.

About Susan G. Komen

Susan G. Komen is the world’s largest breast cancer organization, funding more breast cancer research than any other nonprofit while providing real-time help to those facing the disease. Nationally, since its founding in 1982, Komen has funded $2.6 billion in funding to research, screening, education, treatment and psychosocial support programs serving millions of people in more than 30 countries worldwide. More information is available at KomenOregon.org.

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