Albuquerque, New Mexico

Why Albuquerque?

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in New Mexico and the leading cause of death for Hispanic, African American, and American Indian women in the state. On November 28, 2007, the Komen Community Challenge made its sixteenth stop in Albuquerque to help restore a sense of urgency to the breast cancer movement, especially as the disease affects low-income women, minority women, and those with little or no insurance.

Did You Know?

In 2007, it was estimated that nearly 1,100 women in New Mexico would receive a breast cancer diagnosis and more than 240 women would die from the disease.

Did You Know?

More than 150,000 women ages 19 to 64 in the state of New Mexico are uninsured. Uninsured cancer patients are 60 percent more likely to die within five years, compared to individuals with private insurance.

The Public Policy Challenge

New Mexico has shown its commitment to taking care of its mothers, sisters, partners, and friends with the New Mexico Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NMBCCEDP). This life-saving program provides mammograms and early detection services through the county health departments to uninsured and underinsured women ages of 30 to 64 with incomes at or below 250 percent of the federal poverty level. Approximately 46,000 New Mexico women are eligible for this program, but current funding can only provide mammograms for less than 15 percent.

This program must be expanded to make sure women get their regular mammograms. Komen for the Cure is urging the Legislature to support the NM Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program’s budget request of $900,000 for increased funding for mammograms and early detection services.

The Event

The Central New Mexico Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure held a roundtable discussion at the National Hispanic Cultural Center to highlight breast cancer disparities in New Mexico and to urge policymakers to increase the budget for mammograms and early detection services for low-income and uninsured women. Legislative leaders included: Lt. Governor Diane Denish; State Senators Tim Jennings and Dede Feldman; and Rep. Al Park. Jennifer Hawthorne and Nellie Sandoval, both Native American women, talked about the need to break the silence about breast cancer among Native American women. Dr. Elba Saavedra, the director of Comadre A Comadre, talked about the need for culturally appropriate outreach in the Hispanic community.

That night, thousands of people filled the PIT – an in-ground stadium – to cheer on the University of New Mexico men’s basketball team. Five hundred breast cancer advocates, UNM fans, cheerleaders, and band members suited up in pink to raise breast cancer awareness. As announcements were made throughout the game, fans lined up to sign Komen’s petition in support of increased funding for the state’s screening and early detection program. The folks at the pizza stand donated the tips they had received to help find the cure!

Outcome and Next Steps

The New Mexico Komen Community Challenge got the attention of state policymakers about the barriers that low-income and uninsured women face when seeking screening and early detection services for breast cancer. In February, the Governor of New Mexico signed legislation authorizing an additional $500,000 of state general funds for the New Mexico Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. This funding will allow more low-income, uninsured, and underinsured women to be served through the program and will ensure that women diagnosed through the program have access to Medicaid for their treatment. The program director credited Komen’s efforts with building awareness among legislators about the need for funding and said, “The excitement your initiative generated was phenomenal, built upon other ongoing efforts, and contributed to this important success for the NM BCC Program….this is a tremendous success – one we should all celebrate.”

We would like to thank the New Mexico Legislature for their investment in early detection. Komen will continue to focus on legislation to increase the number of patient navigators, and legislative support for several goals outlined in the New Mexico Cancer Plan - including implementation of a comprehensive statewide program to address transportation barriers for rural women.