Abstract IA11: Cancer disparities and survivorship challenges facing young Latina women (<50 years) on the U.S.-Mexico border

Abstract

Abstract Disparities in the incidence of specific cancers are prevalent among young Latinas (i.e., < 50 years). Although research focusing exclusively on Latina cancer survivors is limited, mixed-sample research suggests that Latina cancer survivors experience greater distress relative to non-Latina white (NLW) survivors, predisposing them toward poorer cancer outcomes. Young Latina survivors who are parenting school-age children may be at even higher risk of poor cancer survivorship, given research demonstrating that young NLW women experience worse physical and psychological well-being and greater illness intrusiveness compared to older NLW women (i.e., >50 years). This presentation describes the cancer disparities and survivorship challenges encountered by young Latina women living along the Paso del Norte U.S.-Mexico border region. Methodology: Cancer registries were used to identify cancer disparities in the U.S.-Mexico border counties. Elicitation and focus group interviews conducted with diagnosed child-rearing Latina mothers explored their challenges in coping with cancer while parenting school-age children. Findings from the qualitative research informed the cultural adaptation of an evidence-based program, Enhancing Connections, to help Latina cancer survivors and their children cope with cancer. A subsequent study examined the feasibility and short-term efficacy of the culturally adapted Conexiones program. Results: Based on research conducted exclusively with Latina women along the U.S.-Mexico border, this presentation will demonstrate (1) how cancer disparities worsen as the focus shifts from the national level to the U.S.-Mexico border region, (2) the challenges in cancer survivorship along the Paso del Norte U.S.-Mexico border region, and (3) research efforts designed to improve the quality of survivorship among young Hispanic mothers diagnosed with cancer. Citation Format: Rebecca Palacios. Cancer disparities and survivorship challenges facing young Latina women (<50 years) on the U.S.-Mexico border [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2019 Sep 20-23; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl_2):Abstract nr IA11.