Breast Cancer Research Articles

Abstract A004: Validation of the PREDICT breast version 3.0 prognostic tool in the US breast cancer patients

Abstract PREDICT Breast v3 is the latest version of a prognostic tool designed to predict the treatment responses for early invasive breast cancer patients. It was developed using data from approximately 35,000 women diagnosed between 2000 and 2018 in the United Kingdom. However, its performance in the United States (US) population is unknown. This study aims to validate PREDICT Breast v3 using the newly released Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) outcome data for US breast cancer patients and to address potential health disparities. We selected over 860,000 female patients diagnosed with primary breast cancer between 2000 and 2021 and followed for at least 5 years from the SEER database. The model’s performance was measured by calibration and discrimination; comparing predicted and observed 5-, 10- and 15-year breast cancer-specific survival outcomes and determining discrimination through the area under the receiver-operator curves (AUC). PREDICT Breast v3 demonstrated good calibration and discrimination for both short- and long-term up breast cancer-specific mortality in US populations. The predicted 10-year breast cancer-specific mortality differed from observed by 11% in ER-positive and 6 % in ER-negative patients. The AUCs for 15-year breast cancer-specific mortality were 0.81 for ER-positive patients and 0.76 for ER-negative patients. When stratified by race and ethnicity, the model showed strong performance in Non-Hispanic Asians ER-positive patients, despite being originally developed based on the UK population. These results are consistent with previous validations in Malaysia, Japan, and other Asian countries for PREDICT Breast v2. However, the model poorly estimated the number of deaths in Non-Hispanic Black individuals for both ER-positive and ER-negative. In conclusion, this study marks the first validation of PREDICT Breast v3 in the US and demonstrates that it is a reliable and generalizable tool, capable of providing longer term follow-up time up to 15 years for a wide and diverse population. Citation Format: Yi-Wen Hsiao, Paul Pharaoh, Pei-Chen Peng. Validation of the PREDICT breast version 3.0 prognostic tool in the US breast cancer patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr A004.

Abstract A096: Differences by nativity status in knowledge of and adherence to breast cancer screening guidelines: A Community Initiative Towards Improving Equity and Health Status (CITIES) study

Abstract Introduction: While immigrants initially demonstrate better health relative to those US-born, with longer length of US residency, immigrants tend to experience increased risk of many diseases – including breast cancer (BC) – compared to those US-born. However, immigrants are less likely to access preventive health services like BC screenings. Fortunately, research suggests that improved knowledge of BC screening guidelines can lead to increased guideline adherence. This project aimed to describe BC screening guideline knowledge and adherence among female Ohioans over 40 years old and to identify how these characteristics differed by nativity status. Methods: The Community Initiative Towards Improving Equity and Health Status (CITIES) project was a survey of Ohio residents focused on identifying factors contributing to cancer disparities. Wave 1 occurred in 2017-2018. Participants were asked about their knowledge of BC screening guidelines using the item, “At what age are most women supposed to start having mammograms?” The correct age was 40 years. Participants were also asked about their adherence to BC screening guidelines using the item, “How long ago has it been since you had your last mammogram?” Participants were up to date with screening if their last mammogram was within one year. Nativity status was foreign-born or US-born. Frequencies and percentages were used to describe knowledge of and adherence to BC screening guidelines. To identify how BC screening knowledge and adherence differed by nativity status, chi-square tests assessing differences in the frequencies of these factors for those foreign-born and US-born were used. Results: The study sample included 307 women over age 40: 18.6% were foreign-born, 32.2% were Black, non-Hispanic, and the mean age was 61.3 years (SD=7.1). The percentage of women with correct knowledge of BC screening guidelines was 52.4% (n=161). The percentage of women up to date with guidelines was 75.9% (n=233), of which 13.3% (n=31) were foreign- born. Overall, women with correct knowledge were more likely to be up to date with guidelines than were those with incorrect knowledge (43.0% vs. 32.9%; χ 2 p=0.01). This relationship was also observed among US-born women (47.2% vs. 33.6%; χ 2 p=0.04). However, foreign-born women with correct knowledge were no more likely to be up to date with guidelines than were foreign-born women with incorrect knowledge (24.6% vs. 29.8%; χ 2 p=0.42). Conclusions: Half of female Ohioans over age 40 had correct knowledge of BC screening guidelines and three- quarters were up to date with guidelines. More US-born than foreign-born women had correct knowledge of and were up to date with guidelines. A significant association existed between knowledge of BC screening guidelines and being up to date with guidelines among women overall and US-born women, but not among foreign-born women. Future research should identify strategies to improve knowledge of BC screening guidelines among foreign-born women, which may increase their BC screening uptake. Citation Format: Katarina M. Bischof, Mohamed I. Elsaid, Chloe M. Hery, Ryan D. Baltic, Cecilia R. DeGraffinreid, Chasity M. Washington, Electra D. Paskett. Differences by nativity status in knowledge of and adherence to breast cancer screening guidelines: A Community Initiative Towards Improving Equity and Health Status (CITIES) study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr A096.

Abstract A012: Motherhood and chemotherapy receipt: a population-based study of young women with breast cancer

Abstract A012: Motherhood and chemotherapy receipt: a population-based study of young women with breast cancer

Abstract C039: Nativity and breast cancer outcomes by breast cancer subtype in the ENCLAVE Study

Abstract C039: Nativity and breast cancer outcomes by breast cancer subtype in the ENCLAVE Study

Abstract B159: Could cultural adaptation of nutrition education improve survivorship outcomes among African American/black women with reproductive cancers?

Abstract Background/Significance: Cancer epidemiological data suggest African American/Black women experience the lowest relative survival rate for reproductive cancers compared to other racial/ethnic groups, despite these cancers being most prevalent among White women. Findings from recent studies suggest contributors to these adverse outcomes include socio-cultural and lifestyle factors, including diet, physical activity, and smoking. As an intervention strategy, it has been recommended dietary changes may enhance overall health and survival among AA/B women with reproductive cancers. However, inequalities in access to nutritious foods and culturally and linguistically appropriate nutrition information may serve as an impediment to making healthy food choices. Methods: An environmental scan was conducted by reviewing peer reviewed literature and online nutrition information sources to identify available, easily accessible, culturally adapted nutrition education for AA/B reproductive cancer survivors. Focus groups with breast and endometrial cancer survivors will ensure to inform the development of culturally targeted nutritional programs for cancer survivors. Results: Our literature review reveals a growing body of evidence indicating the potential benefits of culturally adapted dietary modifications post-diagnosis for African American/Black women with reproductive cancers, suggesting improved outcomes. Notably, the review underscores the critical role of culturally relevant nutrition information, disseminated by culturally affiliated individuals, with technology playing a pivotal role in accessibility facilitation. This research study aims to clarify the barriers and facilitators encountered by African American/Black women in accessing culturally and linguistically appropriate information, thereby enhancing understanding of factors influencing cancer survivorship outcomes. Conclusion and Implications/Discussion: Seeking to improve the survivorship of reproductive cancers in AA/B women through enhanced dietary patterns, this study merges insights from a systematic literature review and an environmental scan. Offering a comprehensive understanding of available nutritional information for AA/B women. Recognizing both strengths and gaps in existing resources, our research serves as a foundation for developing or adapting culturally specific nutritional programs to improve survivorship outcomes for reproductive cancers. Anticipating that our findings will contribute to understanding barriers and facilitators in accessing culturally and linguistically appropriate information, we aim to enhance cancer survivorship outcomes for AA/B women. Acknowledgement of Funding: The project described was supported by Award Number CHERC-MSI-21-166-01-CHERC-MSI. from the American Cancer Society (ACS). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the ACS. Citation Format: Desiree Rivers, Zakirah L Abdul-Hameed. Could cultural adaptation of nutrition education improve survivorship outcomes among African American/black women with reproductive cancers? [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B159.

Abstract B002: Cancer health equity and research advocacy program among immigrant communities

Abstract Introduction: In an effort to ensure an all-inclusive initiative that would close the disparity gap among the immigrant communities in Florida, we developed a pilot project under the Inclusive Cancer Care Research Equity (iCCaRE) for Black Men Consortium with generous support from the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center (MCCCC). The objective is to train cancer advocates to engage their communities and develop and implement cancer prevention and screening navigation programs. The central hypothesis for this program is that community-driven cancer advocacy will significantly improve cancer awareness, knowledge, prevention, risk reduction, screening uptake, and early detection among Black immigrants. Methods: We collaborated with immigrant communities’ leaders to brainstorm on the current state of healthcare access and disparities experienced by Black immigrants and to set program and research priorities through listening sessions. Cancer advocates were trained to engage their communities to (1) develop and implement cancer risk reduction and education programs using train-the-trainer approach, (2) mobilize the resources within the community for cancer health promotion, prevention, and screening strategies, (3) partner with key stakeholders to accomplish targeted objectives; (4) raise funds to support advocacy activities; and (5) develop and successfully organize community-centered programs. Results: We are currently working with 10 Black immigrant organizations, including immigrant churches across different ethnicities, including Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Liberia, South Africa, Haiti, Jamaica, and across different cities in the United States. Eighteen community cancer advocates, including breast and prostate cancer survivors, caregivers, and community influencers, were trained to engage the immigrant communities in cancer risk reduction and research in Florida using multiple channels, including in-person community programs and online engagement approaches. We have engaged 720 immigrants in cancer risk reduction education and the need to participate in research during advocate-led in-person community outreaches. We currently have 26 immigrants who have volunteered in the Mayo Clinic Community Research Registry. The program is ongoing, and we anticipate that more than 750 will be engaged, and 100 will volunteer to be registered in the Mayo Clinic Community Research Registry. Conclusion: Advocate-led advocacy in immigrant communities will provide evidence for compelling arguments about the feasibility and availability of the Black immigrant population for robust and sustainable research and program engagements to eliminate disparity and advance cancer health equity. Citation Format: Opeyemi O. Bolajoko, Caleb Ramirez, Shannon Pressey, Noreen A. Stephenson, Vinessa A. Gordon, Binta Onyibe, Kingsley Efe, Austin Okaiwele, Mubo Oloruntobo, Brittany M. Norris, Folakemi T. Odedina. Cancer health equity and research advocacy program among immigrant communities [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B002.

Abstract B136: Health related social needs of people with cancer underrepresented in clinical trials: Early experience of the Cancer Research Equity and Advocacy through Engagement Initiative (CREATE) clinical trial patient navigation program

Abstract Background: Black and African Americans (AA) remain severely underrepresented in therapeutic oncology clinical trials (TOCTs) and have the highest cancer mortality rates compared to all other groups. Racially biased clinical trial offers, poor physician-patient communication, and social determinants of health largely contribute to these racial inequities. The UNC Lineberger CREATE Clinical Trial Patient Navigation (CTPN) program was established to advance racial equity in TOCT participation. The CTPN program entails clinical trial education, facilitating communication between patients and their medical/research team, identifying barriers to clinical trial participation and connecting patients to resources to address those barriers. Here we describe the health-related social needs and referrals made to address those needs. Methods: The CTPN program employed a targeted proactive approach to reach patients with a new cancer diagnosis who self-identified as Black/African American (AA) or were insured by Medicaid. The patient navigator used the electronic medical record (EMR) to review the oncologist's schedule to identify patients meeting the above criteria. Identified patients received a letter in the mail describing the CTPN program and were offered an in-person clinic visit and/or telephone call with the patient navigator. During these encounters, the patient navigator assessed clinical trial barriers including health-related social needs and made referrals to resources to help address these needs. The CTPN program was initially launched in the thoracic oncology clinic but later became available for direct referrals from all oncology groups. Results: In the first 18 months of the CTPN program, there were 292 patient encounters among183 unique patients who received navigation services. Most patients (83%) were identified through the EMR, 79% identify as Black or AA, 64% have Medicaid. Patients had a diagnosis of lung (62%), head and neck (18%), gynecological (9%), and breast (2%) cancers. Clinical trial related barriers and health-related social needs included lack of clinical trial knowledge (68%), housing (9%), transportation (26%), financial support (18%), and family/caregiver support (14%). CTPN program materials were provided to address clinical trial informational needs (78%), and referrals were made to assist with emotional (13%), logistical (20%), and financial (21%) needs. On average, 2 referrals were made per patient encounter. Conclusion: CTPN can engage Black/AA patients with cancer using a proactive EMR approach to identify patients and may help address health-related social needs to facilitate cancer care and potential clinical trial participation. Future work will evaluate the impact of CTPN on enrollment of Black/AAs in therapeutic cancer clinical trials. Citation Format: Ashley Rankin Collins, Hayley N. Morris, Lauren N. Matthews, Omar N. Buenaventura Gomez, Marjory Charlot. Health related social needs of people with cancer underrepresented in clinical trials: Early experience of the Cancer Research Equity and Advocacy through Engagement Initiative (CREATE) clinical trial patient navigation program [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B136.

Abstract A098: Lung cancer disparities among African Americans and other low-income communities in South Florida

Abstract Lung cancer is by far the leading cause of cancer death in the US, accounting for about 1 in 5 of all cancer deaths. Each year, more people die of lung cancer than of colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined. The American Cancer Society estimates that in the US, in 2024, there will be about 234,580 new cases of lung cancer (116,310 in men and 118,270 in women). It estimates there will be around 125,070 deaths from lung cancer (65,790 in men and 59,280 in women). Though these deaths can mainly be attributed to smoking, environmental factors have also had adverse effects on human health and lung cancer. We see an example of this in Florida with agricultural burning, specifically sugarcane burning. Sugarcane is one of the most important cash crops for Florida, around 10% of sugar produced in the United States comes from Florida. However, despite the economic importance of this crop, its harvesting process is controversial creating air pollution that is having adverse health effects on the surrounding communities. This review will discuss the impact of sugarcane burning on African Americans and other low-income communities, and how it’s exacerbating health issues, specifically lung cancer. As well as suggest better alternatives to sugarcane harvesting. Citation Format: Miles Jordan, Steven Erwell, Ben Mwashote, Bereket Mochona. Lung cancer disparities among African Americans and other low-income communities in South Florida [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr A098.

Comparing CD10 Expression With the Clinicopathological Features and Hormone Status of Invasive Breast Cancer

Comparing CD10 Expression With the Clinicopathological Features and Hormone Status of Invasive Breast Cancer

The physical activity in cancer survivors (PACES) trial: a factorial randomized trial to optimize intervention for breast cancer survivors

The physical activity in cancer survivors (PACES) trial: a factorial randomized trial to optimize intervention for breast cancer survivors

Rab GTPases and breast cancer progression

Rab GTPases and breast cancer progression

A Novel HER2 Protein Identification Methodology in Breast Cancer Cells Using Raman Spectroscopy and Raman Imaging: An Analytical Validation Study

A Novel HER2 Protein Identification Methodology in Breast Cancer Cells Using Raman Spectroscopy and Raman Imaging: An Analytical Validation Study

ASO Visual Abstract: Triple-Negative Breast Cancer in Older Patients: Does SLNB Guide Therapy?

ASO Visual Abstract: Triple-Negative Breast Cancer in Older Patients: Does SLNB Guide Therapy?

Abstract C063: Using a disparities dashboard to identify racial/ethnic differences in breast cancer treatment: Implications for improving cancer care delivery

Abstract C063: Using a disparities dashboard to identify racial/ethnic differences in breast cancer treatment: Implications for improving cancer care delivery

Abstract A036: Hair relaxers use and breast cancer risk by tumor estrogen receptor status: Results from the Ghana Breast Health study

Abstract A036: Hair relaxers use and breast cancer risk by tumor estrogen receptor status: Results from the Ghana Breast Health study

Abstract A021: Development of cross-ancestry polygenic risk. scores for breast cancer in women of African ancestry

Abstract A021: Development of cross-ancestry polygenic risk. scores for breast cancer in women of African ancestry

Abstract C101: Shared gene expression pattern among breast cancer subtypes and its association with prognostic variables in Colombian patients

Abstract C101: Shared gene expression pattern among breast cancer subtypes and its association with prognostic variables in Colombian patients

Abstract A097: Racial and ethnic disparities in risk of persistent opioid use in a diverse cohort of breast cancer survivors and matched women without cancer

Abstract A097: Racial and ethnic disparities in risk of persistent opioid use in a diverse cohort of breast cancer survivors and matched women without cancer

Abstract C148: Triple negative breast cancer in Black women: The genomic rearrangement landscape and its relationship to obesity and neoadjuvant treatment outcomes

Abstract C148: Triple negative breast cancer in Black women: The genomic rearrangement landscape and its relationship to obesity and neoadjuvant treatment outcomes

Abstract A135: Social disparities in breast cancer screening: Up-to-date screening versus overscreening

Abstract A135: Social disparities in breast cancer screening: Up-to-date screening versus overscreening