Proposed Data Collections Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations

In compliance with the requirement of Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 for opportunity for public comment on proposed data collection projects, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will publish periodic summaries of proposed projects. To request more information on the proposed projects or to obtain a copy of the data collection plans and instruments, call 404-639-7570 or send comments to Kimberly S. Lane, at CDC, 1600 Clifton Road, MS D-74, Atlanta, GA 30333 or send an email to omb@cdc.gov.

Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Written comments should be received within 60 days of this notice.

Proposed Project

Minimum Data Elements (MDEs) for the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) (OMB No. 0920-0571, exp. 11/30/2012)—Extension—National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Background and Brief Description

Many cancer-related deaths in women could be avoided by increased utilization of appropriate screening and early detection tests for breast and cervical cancer. Mammography is extremely valuable as an early detection tool because it can detect breast cancer well before the woman can feel the lump, when the cancer is still in an early and more treatable stage. Similarly, a substantial proportion of cervical cancer-related deaths could be prevented through the detection and treatment of precancerous lesions. The Papanicolaou (Pap) test is the primary method of detecting both precancerous cervical lesions as well as invasive cervical cancer. Mammography and Pap tests are underused by women who have no source or no regular source of health care and women without health insurance.

Despite the availability and increased use of effective screening and early detection tests for breast and cervical cancers, the American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that 226,870 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among women in 2012, and 39,510 women will die of this disease. The ACS also estimates that 12,170 new cases of invasive cervical cancer will be diagnosed in 2012, and 4,220 women will die of this disease.

The CDC's National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) provides screening services to underserved women through cooperative agreements with 50 States, the District of Columbia, 5 U.S. Territories, and 11 American Indian/Alaska Native tribal programs. The program was established in response to the Breast and Cervical Cancer Mortality Prevention Act of 1990. Screening services include clinical breast examinations, mammograms and Pap tests, as well as timely and adequate diagnostic testing for abnormal results, and referrals to treatment for cancers detected. NBCCEDP awardees collect patient-level screening and tracking data to manage the program and clinical services. A de-identified subset of data on patient demographics, screening tests and outcomes are reported by each awardee to CDC twice per year. Burden to respondents was significantly reduced in 2008 when the annual requirement to report infrastructure information (System for Technical Assistance Reporting, STAR), previously associated with collection of MDE information, was discontinued.

CDC plans to request OMB approval to collect MDE information for an additional three years. CDC anticipates a reduction in the overall burden estimate due to a decrease in the number of awardees from 68 to 67. There are no changes to the currently approved minimum data elements, electronic data collection procedures, or the estimated burden per response. Because NBCCEDP awardees already collect and aggregate data at the state, territory and tribal level, the additional burden of submitting data to CDC will be modest. CDC will use the information to monitor and evaluate NBCCEDP awardees; improve the availability and quality of screening and diagnostic services for underserved women; develop outreach strategies for women who are never or rarely screened for breast and cervical cancer, and report program results to Congress and other legislative authorities.

There are no costs to respondents other than their time.