In Memphis, Tennessee, black women are about three times more likely to die of breast cancer than white women. The Memphis Breast Cancer Consortium (MBCC), formed in 2016, was the first phase of a comprehensive community-wide effort to address disparities.

While several activities had already been implemented to raise awareness of breast cancer disparities and service delivery, MBCC members began by creating the first-ever community-wide report. (Common Table Health Alliance (CTHA) is the administrative center for the Memphis Breast Cancer Consortium. CTHA has been focused on health equity and health disparities for more than 21 years.)

MBCC is now working to understand and improve the way care is delivered. “By developing patient-centered care, MBCC plans to systematically address the root causes of disparities,” Carla Baker, the group’s chief operating officer, said in a statement.

MBCC currently represents 38 member organizations, including survivor groups, consumer advocacy groups, health systems, universities, health plans, the Shelby County Health Department and the Tennessee Department of Health.

The group created the Care Pathway initiative, sponsored by Amgen, to establish baselines for quality of care with the overall goal of improving quality of care. Rabble Health, a digital patient engagement company, evaluated 81 breast patients on their ability to receive optimal care and services. After a baseline assessment, solutions to improve health literacy and patient empowerment were highlighted, including the myRabble digital patient engagement platform.

“The data from the Margaret West Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the West Cancer Center, was remarkable,” said Aubrey Kelly, CEO of Rabble Health, adding, “As a full-service facility, many breast cancer patients treated at West were able to have same-day mammograms and biopsies if needed. With cancer, every day matters, and patients should be given the tools and resources to communicate, understand their options, communicate treatment goals and manage their diagnosis . The effectiveness of the care delivery system can lead to optimized care and potentially improved outcomes.”

Preliminary findings include a call to action for breast centers to address disparities in care by measuring adherence and improving quality and health literacy.

“To make a significant impact on health disparities, our health centers must take an objective look at their data, policies and practices,” said Gregory Vidal, M.D., a breast oncologist at West. We are pleased to see independent data supporting the exceptional level of care we provide to all patients at our West Cancer Center. We hope that this approach can be replicated in other facilities to help eliminate disparities in care in our beloved city.”

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