Abstract A58: Comorbid conditions among African American breast cancer survivors

Abstract

Abstract Background: There is compelling evidence that ethnicity is a significant independent risk factor for breast cancer disparity among some racial groups in various geographical locations. In California, African American women carry a disproportionate burden of this disease with a higher mortality rate, when compared to other women. Although the etiology of the burden may be due to multiple factors such as an aggressive phenotype, treatment modalities, etc.., there is growing evidence that the existence and possible interplay of co-morbid conditions may have a negative effect on cancer survivorship outcomes. The aim of our study was to investigate the co-morbid conditions among a cohort of African American breast cancer survivors. Methods: Via recruitment flyers, support groups, and word-of-mouth, we recruited and screened 169 women from breast cancer support groups and community-dwellers in Southern and Northern California. One hundred and sixty women were eligible and n =155 participated. The inclusion criteria were women who self-identified as African/Black American, age 25 years or older, diagnosed with breast cancer and at least 1 year post-active treatment. As part of a larger study, the breast cancer survivors completed a self-report demographic data questionnaire including, height and weight, cigarette smoking, alcohol intake, breast cancer stage, treatment and the presence of co-morbid conditions. Results: Our study revealed that over 79% of the survivors reported 1 or more co-morbid conditions inclusive of heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, hypothyroidism, and hyperthyroidism. Hypertension was the most prominent (24.5 %) co-morbid condition and 20.6% reported that they did not have any co-morbid conditions. Conclusion: Our findings suggest the importance of assessing for co-morbid conditions among African American breast cancer survivors as we might have a better understanding of risk and facilitate the need for a collaborative care approach and intervention to manage these co-morbid conditions and thus improve survivorship outcomes. Citation Format: Claudia M. Davis, Hector F. Myers. Comorbid conditions among African American breast cancer survivors. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Seventh AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 9-12, 2014; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2015;24(10 Suppl):Abstract nr A58.