What factors contribute to the unequal burden of breast cancer among diverse communities? Are there policy alternatives that would contribute to reducing disparities in access to prevention, detection, treatment, support and/or survivorship services for California's underserved populations? What is the influence of poverty, race/ethnicity and environmental factors on breast cancer? What are the sociocultural, behavioral and psychological issues of those affected by breast cancer and what services are needed to reduce the suffering caused by the disease?
We encourage research that addresses disparities and the burden of breast cancer among California's diverse communities. Specific topics for research in this area might include:
Health policy — We encourage research examining the impact of public and private health policy on issues related to prevention, detection, and treatment of breast cancer as well as research into the formulation of policy alternatives that would reduce disparities related to prevention, detection and treatment of breast cancer.
Health services — We encourage research examining the delivery of breast cancer-related services and how to most effectively deliver services, especially to the underserved.
Sociocultural, behavioral and psychological issues relevant to breast cancer: the human side — We encourage research into the sociocultural, behavioral and psychological issues of those affected by breast cancer or at high risk for the disease. Research that examines patient and practitioner interactions, enhancing quality of life, long-term survival and participation in clinical research is encouraged; especially research addressing the needs of high-risk and underserved populations.
Disparities: eliminating the unequal burden of breast cancer — We encourage research that aims to reduce disparities in breast cancer incidence, morbidity and mortality. These include disparities in access to prevention, treatment, and/or survivorship services based on factors related to race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, geographic location, sexual orientation, ability, age, occupation and/or other factors. Intervention research that reduces disparities is encouraged.