P-11 Obesity and Breast Cancer Incidence and Mortality among Minority Women in Berrien County, MI

Buller Hall

In Berrien County, 72% of adults are overweight or obese. Priority health needs that emerged from the Berrien County Needs Assessment Report were obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular conditions and mental health. Most of these conditions are hallmarks of metabolic syndrome which signals the onset of chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of the current study is to establish partnerships with Black/African American (AA) women in Berrien County who experience a high incidence of breast cancer. The long-term goal of the study is to investigate the relationship between metabolic syndrome and breast cancer. We report preliminary data on breast cancer and obesity rates in Berrien County. Methods: Data obtained from Berrien County Needs Assessment Report 2016-2019 were generated by analyzing the input of 1,300 community residents who participated in focus groups, key informant interviews, surveys, and photovoice projects. Secondary data was collected by Berrien County Health Department and Susan G Komen Michigan Quantitative data report (2015). Results: Berrien County late stage age-adjusted breast cancer incidence rates is 46 among AA women compared to 43.7 for US women. Age-adjusted Invasive breast cancer incidence is 134.3. Female breast cancer incidence and mortality rates for years 2006-2010 for AA women in Southwest Michigan are 124 and 35.8, while for White women the incidence and mortality rates are 114.5 and 23.1. Plans for breast cancer interventions are based on trends of the Healthy People 2020 breast cancer death and late-stage targets.