Thaïs Diaz has a background in public health, nutrition and chronic disease prevention and works as a program coordinator for HealthyWomen. Her previous experience includes research and work at the University of Georgia focusing on the undergraduate population's food choices, nutrition, and overall health and well-being. During graduate school, she was a part of a research team that studied nutrition apps and how they're evolving in the public health sector. She also worked closely with a pediatrician on her upcoming book related to nutrition, sleep, exercise and family health. Thais focuses on health literacy and public health advice. She has volunteered with public health organizations that offer health education to Hispanic populations and translated for migrant farm workers as well as physicians.
She holds a bachelor of science degree in media and communication from Georgia Tech and a master of public health degree with a concentration in health promotion from the University of Georgia.
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide. The conditions in the environments where people live, work, learn, play and worship, also called social determinants of health (SDoH), affect breast health and health outcomes.
In the United States, 1 in 10 people live in poverty, which means they often have less access to healthy foods, healthcare, housing, education and safe living conditions.
Economic stability
What is it?
Job opportunities with steady income
How does economic stability affect breast cancer?
Lower socioeconomic status decreases access to healthcare services and comprehensive breast cancer treatment. Less access to healthcare and treatment leads to an increased risk of aggressive premenopausal breast cancers, as well as late-stage diagnosis and poor survival rates.
Education
What is it?
Access to early childhood education, higher education and vocational training
How does education affect breast cancer?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found lower educational attainment is associated with lower screening rates for breast cancer. Lower screening rates lead to worse outcomes. Breast cancer screening and early detection increase the survival rate for breast cancer.
Neighborhood and physical environment
What is it?
The natural and built environment of a community, such as water and air quality, housing features, transportation, physical activity opportunities, and walkable streets
How do lack of safe, convenient places to exercise affect breast cancer?
When it’s hard to be physically active, people are less likely to exercise. Studies show that a lack of exercise increases risk of breast cancer.
How does lack of transportation affect breast cancer?
Living in areas that lack resources and living far from medical facilities make it difficult to get screening and care. Lack of access to screening leads to later stage diagnosis, and lack of transportation makes it harder to get to treatment.
Food Access
What is it?
Access to healthy food options
How does access to healthy food options affect breast cancer?
Limited access to fresh foods and fruits, vegetables, and whole grains makes it difficult to eat a nutritious diet, which can help reduce the risk of breast cancer.
Limited access to a healthy diet increases the risk for obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. These conditions are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
Community and social support
What is it?
Support systems, communities free of discrimination and racism
How do community and social support affect breast cancer?
Support systems such as healthcare providers, friends, family and others can help bring information, shared experiences and advice to those diagnosed with breast cancer. Studies show that support systems and supportive communities improve breast cancer treatment outcomes and can lower stress levels from cancer diagnoses and improve overall emotional well-being.
Healthcare
What is it?
The availability of mammograms and other tools for breast cancer prevention, screening and treatment; equal treatment from healthcare providers, health insurance and access to healthcare
How does quality of healthcare affect breast cancer?
The quality of the resources available to you can affect your prognosis. Lack of good insurance coverage and/or lack of a primary care physician can keep people from getting care and delay diagnosis. Implicit provider bias and lack of access to modern equipment and treatment can lead to poor outcomes.
This resource was created with support from Merck.