Abstract 4349: Comparison of Psychosocial Wellbeing among African American and Caucasian Metastatic Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Approximately 5 million Americans are living with metastatic cancer and are at an increased risk for psychosocial distress (e.g., hopelessness). Hope is vital to life and is essential for effectively coping with illness. Among early-stage cancer survivors, previous studies indicate that African Americans (AA) experience greater cancer burden than Caucasians (CAU). The aim of this study was to compare psychosocial wellbeing between AA and CAU MCS residing in the Deep South. Methods: MCS were identified via UAB Cancer Registry and I2B2.Using a modified Dilman's method, eligible MCS (>21 years and physician permission to contact) were mailed a survey. Psychosocial wellbeing (i.e. physical and mental wellbeing, anxiety, depression, social isolation, emotional support, and hopefulness) of MCS were assessed via PROMIS® measures. Returned surveys were double-key entered into REDCap®. Data were analyzed using Excel. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the study sample and instrument scores. Between group difference, between AA and CAU MCS, was examined via independent-samples t-test. Results: To date, 100 surveys have been returned (AA=18; CAU=82; Mage=67 years; Msurvivorship=3 years) with a broad representation of primary cancer sites (breast=23%; prostate=10%; gynecological=16%; colorectal=13%; lung=10%; kidney=11%; other=17%). Mean instrument scores were similar between AA and CAU MCS for physical wellbeing (44.57 vs 44.81), mental wellbeing (48.1 vs 48.46), anxiety (45.76 vs 48.45), depression (44.85 vs 46.77), social isolation (39.96 vs 40.89), and emotional support (39.96 vs 40.89). However, AA MCS reported significantly better feelings of hopefulness than CAU MCS (61.34 vs 55.39, p>0.01, d=0.73). Discussion: Findings suggest that AA MCS may be more hopeful than CAU MCS. These preliminary findings warrant further analysis after data collection is complete (an additional 300 returned surveys are anticipated). Citation Format: Jayla M. Caffey, Jennifer Bail. Comparison of Psychosocial Wellbeing among African American and Caucasian Metastatic Cancer Survivors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 4349.