Abstract A057: Biospecimen donation among breast cancer survivors: Opportunities for research among nondonors

Abstract

Abstract Purpose: Participation in genomic research may further advance effective therapies, yet samples are often not sociodemographically diverse. Information is lacking about strategies to improve biospecimen donation. This pilot study focused on identifying strategies to enhance biospecimen donation among nondonors. Methods: Women diagnosed with hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer who initiated hormonal therapy were recruited from three integrated health systems. Our sample was limited to women >21 years of age and diagnosed within the past 12 months. The analytical sample (N=144) consisted of women who consented but did not return a saliva sample within one year of baseline; 67% were White, 27% were Black, and 2% represented other races. A brief informational intervention was developed via published literature and preliminary data. Respondents received intervention materials, which included a personalized information letter, a colorful low-literacy instruction sheet, a postage-paid envelope, and collection kits. Descriptive and bivariate statistics were employed to describe and compare factors associated with biospecimen donation. Results: Overall, 29 surveys (20%) were returned, and 17% returned saliva kits. No significant differences were noted by demographic or clinical factors between those who provided biospecimen (vs. not). Women with higher levels of functional well-being and lower ratings of religiosity/spirituality were more likely to return specimens (p <0.005) after receiving the enhanced materials. The most frequently cited factors related to returned specimens were found among participants with higher levels of knowledge and concern about provision of saliva and the usability of biospecimen samples in biomedical research. Conclusion: A brief print intervention inclusive of personalized messages may enhance receipt of biospecimens among diverse survivors. The inclusion of messages with a focus on spirituality and functional wellness may increase biospecimen provision among nondonors; however, further work is needed to support this claim. Citation Format: Arnethea Sutton, Vanessa Sheppard, Megan C. Edmonds, Yvonne Cummings, Justin Thomas, Jessica Chavis. Biospecimen donation among breast cancer survivors: Opportunities for research among nondonors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eleventh AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2018 Nov 2-5; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl):Abstract nr A057.