Abstract 728: Socio-economic and health disparity determinants of breast cancer prevalence in low-income counties in Alabama and Mississippi: An analysis of Deep South cancer epidemic

Abstract

Abstract Background: Studies underscore evidence that socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with breast cancer (BC)prevalence and especially poor SES is closely related to the cancer epidemic. Exploring the high and low SES status concerning BC prevalence is timely and noteworthy. Two impoverished Deep South states Alabama and Mississippi are the focus of this research. Alabama and Mississippi are well known for the historical and cultural landscape of Black Belt Counties (BBC), predominantly occupied by African American populations who were systematically undermined in many socioeconomic, healthcare, educational, and political aspects. Our investigation explores BC prevalence in the major ethnic groups (African American and White) in both southern states, mainly in the BBC. Hypothesis/Objectives: We hypothesized that SES is closely associated with BC prevalence. In particular, the poor status of SES severely influences BC patients' access to healthcare, healthy food, obesity, education, employment, transportation, prevention, and screening. Our study explores the impact of selected SES factors to understand BC prevalence in both states, particularly in impoverished BBC. Methods: We utilized Geospatial Technology (GT) to analyze the connection between BC prevalence and SES. This study incorporates county-level BC prevalence and association with SES, education, healthy food access, and health disparities. A robust data mining (U.S. Census, State Cancer Profile, Department of Health, American cancer society, National Cancer Institute, and published peer-reviewed journals) enabled us to explore the association between BC in the geospatial context. Integrating geospatial and non-spatial data on BC prevalence with SES will help predict and formulate BC prevention methods and promote health policy formulation and intervention in deep southern states. Conclusions: Alabama and Mississippi are the top states concerning the BC epidemic. The research employed SESand cancer prevalence using GT. Data shows a close relation between SES and cancer prevalence. The research strongly recommends the states adopt cancer awareness programs, and social and health equity policy planning. Citation Format: Ram Alagan. Socio-economic and health disparity determinants of breast cancer prevalence in low-income counties in Alabama and Mississippi: An analysis of Deep South cancer epidemic [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 728.