Abstract B01: Designing a feasible breast cancer genetics research study: Lessons learned

Abstract

Abstract Background: The current trend toward personalized medicine in cancer care relies heavily on cancer genetics research (CGR). However, members of diverse populations are significantly less likely than others to participate in CGR. Therefore, CGR results lack generalizability to these groups. This study tests strategies to recruit European American (EA) and African American (AA) women of varied income levels who are at risk of developing breast cancer (BC) to CGR. Design: Recruitment began in January 2015 and ended in May 2015. Study flyers are strategically placed in the BC screening clinics at a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center. Interested patients call the study coordinator for eligibility screening. To supplement low accrual rates using this method, in June 2015, the investigators began using the EPIC electronic health record to identify BC-screened patients who potentially met study eligibility criteria. EPIC-identified patients are randomly selected in groups of 50 and are sent a letter describing the study; if interested, they then call the study coordinator for eligibility screening. Results: The original recruitment strategy resulted in 11 participants (7 AA, 4 EA) while 21 participants (10 AA, 11 EA) were recruited using the EPIC approach. Discussion: The EPIC recruitment strategy resulted in a higher number of recruited participants than the study flyer strategy. Identifying effective approaches to recruit diverse populations to CGR is critically important. Study results show that using a targeted recruitment approach such as the pre-screening approach in the EPIC strategy can bolster participation of diverse populations in CGR. Citation Format: Colleen Bauza, Marvella E. Fordxs. Designing a feasible breast cancer genetics research study: Lessons learned. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Ninth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2016 Sep 25-28; Fort Lauderdale, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2017;26(2 Suppl):Abstract nr B01.