A key component of the Global Initiative is providing participants with the tools to identify, understand, and address breast cancer needs in their communities.
Preparation
Participants first learn skills and best practices for how to create a community assessment in the “Community Profile” module of Course for the Cure™. These skills are then used to create a Community Profile report that can be shared widely with members of the community.
Community Profile Report
The goal of the Community Profile is:
- To assess breast cancer needs and resources of the community
- To define priorities and objectives for future action that will address those needs
- To inform the work of breast cancer organizations and activists.
Data collection for the Community Profile is both quantitative and qualitative. Participants compile quantitative data such as statistics from cancer registries or hospitals and qualitative data is collected through interviews, surveys, or focus groups. Topics addressed topics in the Community Profiles include general breast cancer awareness and knowledge levels; barriers to screening/treatment; availability and accessibility of screening, treatment, and support services; programs and organizations providing services related to breast cancer treatment and education.
Research Informing Action
After collecting and analyzing available data on breast cancer and services, Global Initiative participants identify and prioritize the community’s unmet needs or “gaps” in breast cancer programs. These prioritized gaps form the basis for developing plans for education outreach, awareness programs and advocacy efforts to improve breast cancer outcomes. All Komen Community Grant teams use the Community Profile as a basis for designing their projects.