Adapting an evidence-based cancer survivor lifestyle program for cancer prevention and control in African American and Hispanic/Latino communities.

Abstract

10545 Background: Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Wisconsin with higher mortality rates observed for Black/African American (B/AA) and Hispanic/Latino(a) (Hisp/Lat) communities. Affordable lifestyle interventions targeting healthy nutrition and physical activity patterns tailored to the needs/interests of these communities are critically needed to prevent and control cancer. In this project, we adapted the evidence-based Moving Forward lifestyle program for B/AA breast cancer survivors, which included a program workbook, in-person education/supervised exercise classes, and text messages. We sought to address cancer prevention among B/AA and Hisp/Lat community members in the general population by implementing the program within an urban public recreation system for sustainability. Methods: To help guide the adaptation process, project partners included an academic cancer center, an urban public recreation system, the state department of public health, and a community advisory board. Our approach comprised of focus groups with B/AA and Hisp/Lat residents, surveys collected at community events, and an After-Action Review of a 4-week program pilot. Results: One-hundred community members (58 B/AA and 42 Hisp/Lat) participated in the adaptation phase through eight focus groups (N = 27), 48 surveys, and 25 pilot participants. Seven key program content adaptations were targeted: 1) integrate information on basic cancer biology; 2) explain the association between cancer, nutrition and physical activity; 3) address other diseases besides cancer (heart disease, diabetes); 4) provide cooking demonstrations with culturally relevant tips to facilitate dietary changes; 5) update workbook images and content to reflect race/ethnicity of targeted populations; 6) add information on cancer screening; 7) provide information on local healthy eating and exercise resources. Key adaptations related to conducting the program within a public recreation system included: 1) dividing the program into two 8-week sessions to meet the public recreation system program calendar; 2) eliminating the text message component; 3) providing the program workbook/classes in English and Spanish; and 4) integrating different exercise approaches to meet needs/interests of different age groups, genders, and different fitness levels. Conclusions: Community-academic partnerships and ongoing community engagement led to meaningful adaptations to a cancer prevention and lifestyle program to address cancer disparities in the B/AA and Hisp/Lat communities.