Media Release

FOR: Immediate Release
DATE: November 4, 1999
CONTACT: Sharon Marable, MD, MPH, RI Department of Health 401 222-1394, ext. 138, Dorothy Darcy, AS, CTR, Hospital Association of Rhode Island 401 274-1804

Health Department: Study Shows Breast Cancer Screening, Treatment, Saves Lives

Dr. Patricia A. Nolan, MD, MPH, Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH), released data showing that regular breast cancer screening resulted in better treatment outcomes and fewer cancer deaths for Rhode Island women.

The data, produced by HEALTH and the Hospital Association of Rhode Island, resulted from a joint evaluation of statewide breast cancer control efforts. The study highlights trends in the occurrence of breast cancer among various groups of Rhode Island women and emphasizes the importance of early detection (i.e., periodic mammograms) in improving disease outcomes.

"The number of women dying from breast cancer in Rhode Island is decreasing overall, primarily due to higher screening rates and more effective cancer treatments," said Dr. Nolan. "Regular screening leads to more cancers being diagnosed in earlier stages of disease. This regular screening, coupled with improved cancer treatments, results in a savings of lives."

Results are summarized in the tables below. The plus signs and equal signs in the table denote an improvement or a stabilization of rates over time, respectively. Double plus signs indicate a substantial improvement.

Burden of Breast Cancer among Women: 1991-94 vs. 1995-97

Thoroughness of Breast Cancer Screening among Women: 1989-95 vs. 1996-98

* Excludes women of Hispanic origin.

The Effect of Breast Cancer Screening among Women: 
1987-91 vs. 1992-96

"It is wonderful to begin to see improvement in both the number of women being screened in Rhode Island as well as improvement in breast cancer survival," noted Dr. Barbara Schepps, Director, Anne C. Pappas Center for Breast Imaging, Rhode Island Hospital. "The word is finally getting out that annual screening mammography not only finds tumors earlier, offering women more treatment options, but also saves lives."

Highlights of the study:

• Breast cancer mortality rates are declining more slowly among black women in Rhode Island than among white women. However, recent increases in mammogram screening rates, especially among blacks, should accelerate the reduction in mortality rates in the future.
• Despite a lower incidence of new breast cancer cases, black women have a higher mortality rate than whites, primarily due to diagnoses in later stages of disease. Again, recent data show that increased screening has led to a greater proportion of breast cancers diagnosed in earlier stages, particularly for blacks. Thus, the mortality gap between the races should begin to narrow over time.
• There has been no improvement among Hispanic women, who still possess the lowest screening rates among the three groups. More must be done to screen Hispanic women, especially those with low incomes and no health insurance.
• Despite notable progress in breast cancer screening, stage of diagnosis, and mortality rates, there is still substantial room for improvement, particularly among minority groups.

Observed Jenny Robinson, Regional Executive for Breast Cancer Detection/Prevention, American Cancer Society: "There is no question that regular cancer screenings are crucial for early detection, and can ultimately help save lives. Health disparities are very real for minority populations, and the Rhode Island community health organizations and agencies must continue to work together to ensure access to affordable screening and care for underserved and minority women throughout the state."

Any woman over age 50 with no health insurance may contact the Rhode Island Women’s Cancer Screening Program at 1-888-237-9800 to determine eligibility for a FREE mammogram and woman’s health exam (a Pap test, a pelvic exam, and a clinical breast exam).

For more information, and the actual rates and associated definitions, contact the individuals listed above.

For speech or hearing impaired, 1-800-745-5555 (TTY)
Department of Health Website: www.health.state.ri.us