[2051] Effects of an outreach and internal navigation program on breast cancer diagnosis in an urban cancer center with a large African American population. Gabram SGA, Lund MJ, Hatchett N, Bumpers HL, Okoli J, Rizzo M, Johnson BJ, Kirkpatrick GB, Brawley OW. Emory University, Atlanta, GA; Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA Background: Compared to Caucasian women, African American (AA) women diagnosed with breast cancer experience an excess in mortality which has persisted for decades. A major reason for this disparity is attributed to more AA women being diagnosed with later stage disease. Screening, diagnosis and treatment differences ultimately contribute to poorer outcome. These differences are related to patient and system level factors. To improve outcomes, we implemented outreach initiatives in our cancer center, affiliated primary care sites, and surrounding communities. We assessed the effectiveness of the initiatives as well as internal patient navigation on stage at diagnosis. Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study analyzed all female breast cancer cases diagnosed and/or treated in years 2001-2004 in the Avon Comprehensive Breast Center at Grady Hospital, Atlanta GA. Data were obtained from the hospital tumor registry, augmented by the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) and the State of Georgia cancer registries. The outreach initiatives were implemented in 2001; 125 internally trained Community Health Advocates (CHAs) provided educational programs to the community. Twenty CHAs received further training as patient navigators. In collaboration with Breast Center staff, the navigators communicate directly with patients and encourage screening, further diagnostic procedures and treatment particularly to those patients hesitant to pursue appropriate care. CHAs and patient navigators participate in monthly continuing education programs. Results: A total of 487 cases were diagnosed/treated from 2001-2004. Our patient population consisted of 89% AA, 5% Caucasian, 2% Hispanic and 4% other race/ethnicity. Since its 2001 inception, 1,148 community intervention programs have occurred with an estimated program attendance of over 10,000 participants. During the same interval (2001-2004), the proportion of in situ breast cancers (Stage 0) increased after the intervention from 12.4% (n=14) to 25.8% (n=33), p <0.005. For invasive breast cancers, there was a decline in stage IV breast cancers from 19.2% (n=19) to 12.6% (n=12), p< 0.05. Discussion: The outreach initiatives and internal patient navigation encounters appear to have improved stage at diagnosis, one of the most important factors that can ultimately affect patient outcome. Additional studies to understand the effects of this intervention on timely diagnosis and treatment, on treatment adherence, and underlying reasons for barriers to specific intervention components is currently being examined in this underserved minority population. San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, 12/06 Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.