Reducing Cancer and Improving Health Outcomes in Philadelphia

Summary

Cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in minority and disadvantaged urban communities. A number of factors contribute to this increased burden, including a greater incidence of cancer (resulting at least in part from cancer related exposures and adverse health behaviors linked to social and environmental conditions); delayed diagnosis and treatment; and poorer outcomes of care.

Despite this large cancer-related morbidity and mortality, the disease often receives less attention than other chronic diseases in these communities. This team of partners conducted a comprehensive assessment of the burden of cancer across Philadelphia neighborhoods paying special attention to quantifying disparities in cancer by neighborhood, race, and socioeconomic characteristics.

The Urban Health Collaborative leveraged its robust data resources and analysis capabilities to look at the burden of cancer in Philadelphia and its neighborhoods to identify disparities in cancer outcomes and incidence by neighborhood, race and socioeconomic characteristics. In addition, the team examined cancer risk factors, including smoking, obesity and diet, as well as the use of cancer screening, including breast and colon cancer screening in the city. The Urban Health Collaborative disseminated its findings to the broader Philadelphia region to provide neighborhood cancer data for public health in the city and made the information accessible to empower community residents.

Partners

Lazarex Cancer Foundation, Drexel College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel Community Wellness HUB, Drexel College of Medicine, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia Department of Public Health.

Research Methods

We used novel methods for small area estimation to derive neighborhood-level measures and create maps and other visual displays and study the associations of neighborhood-level factors with social and environmental characteristics across the city. We also quantified disparities in cancer outcomes by race/ethnicity, immigration, and socioeconomic characteristics.

Research Results

Results were accessible to a broader audience via a report and an app on the State of Cancer in Philadelphia. Thus the data we created not only enhanced scientific understanding and provided valuable tracking data for public health in the city but also provided empowering information to communities.

Acknowledgements

Research Team:

Binod Acharya, MS; Data Analyst; Urban Health Collaborative
Cheryl Bettigole, MD; Director, Chronic Disease Prevention; Philadelphia Department of Public Health
Jim Buehler, MD; Clinical Professor; Health Management and Policy, Urban Health Collaborative
Ana Diez Roux, MD, PhD, MPH; Dean and Distinguished University Professor of Epidemiology; Dean's Office, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Urban Health Collaborative

Sarah Greer, MS; Communications Manager; Urban Health Collaborative
Katie Livengood, MPH; Assistant director; Urban Health Collaborative
Shannon Lynch, PhD, MPH; Assistant Professor; Fox Chase Cancer Center
Steve Melly, MS, MA; GIS Specialist; Urban Health Collaborative
Kari Moore, Director of Data and Analysis; Urban Health Collaborative
Gabrielle Mullins, Master's Fellow
Harrison Quick, PhD; Assistant Professor; Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Heather Rollins, MS, Data Analyst; Urban Health Collaborative
Raynard Washington, PhD, MPH; Chief Epidemiologist; Philadelphia Department of Public Health

Partners:

Funding for Community IMPACT was provided by Lazarex Cancer Foundation

Community IMPACT: Reducing Cancer and Improving Health Outcomes in Philadelphia Neighborhoods