Abstract PO-026: Refining a breast and cervical cancer screening program for Native American women with disabilities

Abstract

Abstract BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: This community-engaged study aims to adapt and feasibility test a breast and cervical cancer education program for Native American (NA) women with disabilities. This presentation reports on the formative work leading to a program for feasibility testing. Intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are disabilities that are diagnosed in childhood and involve limitations in intellectual functioning and/or adaptive behaviors. Women with IDD are less likely to receive breast and cervical cancer screenings than the general population of women in the U.S. Women with IDD who identify as racial/ethnic minorities are less likely to receive recommended preventive health screenings, like cancer screenings. Further, the general population of NA women in the U.S. are less likely to receive cancer screenings. The cancer education program aims to address inequities in cancer screenings for NA women with IDD. METHODS: The university teams worked with HOPI Cancer Support Services and Tucson Indian Center to adapt the cancer education program with input from NA women with IDD, caregivers, service providers, and community leaders. The program was refined in focus groups with health and disability services providers (n=12), partner site program staff (n=12), caregivers (n=12), and NA women with IDD (n=12). RESULTS: Focus groups offered input on program structure and content, including the program name. Participants contributed modifications to trauma-informed features, the program’s use of imagery and storytelling, and methods for hybrid virtual/telephonic and in- person program delivery. Key input included the need to incorporate: sites’ existing health education staff and resources into the program; culturally relevant imagery and language; engaging activities for the women to learn about their anatomy and about cancer screenings; and caregiver education. Participants noted the importance of engaging NA women with IDD and/or cancer survivors in delivering the educational program. They also encouraged the research team to emphasize the benefits of early detection of cancer in order to reduce long-term morbidity and mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Engaging community in the cultural adaptation of an evidence-based breast and cervical cancer curriculum generates a program that is responsive to and builds on community expectations, needs, and existing infrastructure. The team will test the feasibility of the program by assessing recruitment and retention, and exploring preliminary program outcomes. Citation Format: Julie S. Armin, Heather J. Williamson, Janet Rothers, Julie Baldwin, Marissa Adams, Myka Becenti, Andria Begay, Tara Chico- Jarillo, Jennifer Etcitty, Michele Lee, Leticia Lelli, Bailey Lockwood, Celeste Núñez, Samantha Sasse, Neida Rodriguez. Refining a breast and cervical cancer screening program for Native American women with disabilities [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Conference: Thirteenth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2020 Oct 2-4. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(12 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-026.