Key DFM Personnel

Benjamin Craig, PhD - Principal Investigator

Funding

NIH - National Cancer Institutes - K Award

Summary

This research uses an existing data set to study the relationship between obesity and breast cancer screening, breast cancer treatment and costs. The study tests the hypothesis that obesity among women over age 65 increases the use of breast cancer services and raises the cost of screening, diagnostic treatment and hospice episodes, because of its effect on breast cancer risk, detection, and progression.

Methods

The study aims to 1) determine the relationship between obesity and the use and cost of mammography and mammography-related services as measured by screening, diagnostic and follow-up services,2) determine the relationship between obesity and the use and cost of breast cancer treatment as measured by chemotherapy, radiation, therapy, breast surgery and related services, and 3) determine the relationship between obesity and the use and cost of breast cancer hospice. The study is using Cox proportional hazard models to estimate significance of the time to episode of care using the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey, the New Mexico Mammography Project, the New Mexico Tumor Registry and SEER- Medicare data.

Significance

The increasing prevalence of obesity, the aging of the US Population, and the mounting emphasis on cost containment is increasing demand on cancer resources. Obesity prevention and early diagnosis of breast cancer among obese women may increase resources for additional breast cancer screening, diagnostics, and treatment for all patients.