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African American women who get breast cancer are more likely to die from the disease than white women^{1 2} and are less likely to survive for 5 years after diagnosis.³ Studies suggest that this disparity is due to African American women being diagnosed with breast cancer at a later stage,⁴ and receiving treatment later after diagnosis.^{5 6}

The AAMM pilot campaign goals include:

• Increasing knowledge about breast cancer and mammography
• Increasing awareness of the importance of mammograms for early detection of breast cancer
• Increasing awareness of the NBCCEDP's low- or no-cost mammogram services
• Increasing the number of women who get a mammogram through the Breast Test and More program (NBCCEDP in Georgia) at their local health department

The campaign features public service announcements (PSAs) that consist of testimonials by breast cancer survivors in Savannah and Macon. The PSAs will be broadcast on the following radio stations in Savannah and Macon during the next year:

The AAMM campaign will distribute promotional print materials in Savannah, Georgia. The materials feature positive images of African American women aged 40–64 years and explain the importance of getting a mammogram. They will be displayed in and around Savannah in retail stores, pharmacies, grocery stores, and the health department. In addition, they will be given out at local community events widely attended by African American women, such as:

• The Black Heritage Festival
• The Chamber Biz Expo
• Entrepreneur Center's Annual Business Event
• Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast Celebration

This campaign is being developed, implemented, and evaluated jointly by CDC, the Georgia Department of Human Resources,* and the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service. These organizations share an interest in reducing the number of deaths from breast cancer among African American women. We hope this collective effort will yield greater results in increasing knowledge about breast cancer, mammography, early detection, and the availability of low- or no-cost screening at local health departments for eligible women. We would also like to thank the African American Health Information Resource Center* at St. Joseph's/Candler Hospital and the Savannah Chapter of Sisters Network for their support of AAMM activities in Savannah, Georgia.

The NBCCEDP's Breast Test and More program provides pelvic examinations, Pap tests, and mammograms through local health departments at low or no cost to eligible women across Georgia. Funded by CDC, the program has provided quality services since 1992. To find out if you qualify, call your local program.

References

¹Ries LAG, Melbert D, Krapcho M, Mariotto A, Miller BA, Feuer EJ, Clegg L, Horner MJ, Howlader N, Eisner MP, Reichman M, Edwards BK (eds). SEER Cancer Statistics Review, 1975–2005, National Cancer Institute. Bethesda, MD, based on November 2007 SEER data submission, posted to the SEER Web site, 2008.

²U.S. Cancer Statistics Working Group. United States Cancer Statistics: 2004 Incidence and Mortality. Atlanta (GA): Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and National Cancer Institute; 2007.

³Jemal A, Clegg LX, Ward E, Ries LA, Wu X, Jamison PM, Wingo PA, Howe HL, Anderson RN, Edwards BK. Annual report to the nation on the status of cancer, 1975–2001, with a special feature regarding survival. Cancer 2004;101(1):3–27.

⁴Smigal C, Jemal A, Ward E, Cokkinides V, Smith R, Howe HL, Thun M. Trends in breast cancer by race and ethnicity: update 2006.* CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians 2006;56(3):168–183.

⁵Joslyn SA. Racial differences in treatment and survival from early-stage breast carcinoma. Cancer 2002;95(8):1759–1766.

⁶Li CI. Racial and ethnic disparities in breast cancer stage, treatment, and survival in the United States. Ethnicity & Disease 2005;15(2 Suppl 2):S5–9.

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*Links to non-Federal organizations found at this site are provided solely as a service to our users. These links do not constitute an endorsement of these organizations or their programs by CDC or the Federal Government, and none should be inferred. CDC is not responsible for the content of the individual organization Web pages found at these links.