Abstract Purpose: Cancer is driven by a complex interplay of genes and environment. However, little is known about the public’s beliefs about hereditary susceptibility to cancer. This study characterized beliefs about hereditary susceptibility to cancer in a nationally representative survey of US adults. We also identified who is more likely to want to know if they had a genetic predisposition to cancer. Procedures: We analyzed data from the NCI Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) 2020 Cycle 5 Wave 4 using SAS 9.4 for weighted survey analysis. Adjusted linear regression models assessed predictors of (1) how much respondents believe genes that are inherited determine whether or not a person will develop cancer and (2) how much respondents would want to know if they had a genetic change that increases their chance of getting cancer (these items were reverse coded). Individuals with a previous cancer diagnosis were excluded. Results: Most respondents (N=3,253) were female (46.9%), non-Hispanic White (57.4%), married (44.4%), and were 46.6 years old (SE=.58). On average, respondents endorsed between “somewhat” and “a lot” for how much hereditary susceptibility determines a person’s cancer risk and their desire to know if they had a genetic predisposition to cancer. Respondents believed that hereditary susceptibility to cancer (M=1.8, SE=.02), cardiovascular disease (M=1.8, SE=.02), and diabetes (M=1.8, SE=.02) were similar (p’s >.6), but believed hereditary susceptibility to obesity was significantly lower (M=2.2, SE =.02, p<.0001). Individuals with health insurance (versus those who were uninsured, β = –.42 - –.37, p = .017 - .021) and those who had previously sought cancer information (β = –.19, p < .001) were more likely to believe that hereditary susceptibility determines a person’s cancer risk. Individuals who believe in greater hereditary susceptibility to cancer were more likely to want to know if they had a genetic predisposition to cancer (β = .14, p = .001). Hispanic (β = –.25, p = .0098) and non-Hispanic Black (β = –.47, p < .0001) respondents, and individuals with a family history of cancer (β = –.20, p = .0051), who previously sought cancer information (β = –.19, p = .0019), and were less fatalistic (β = –.08, p = .036) were also more likely to want to know about their genetic predisposition to cancer. Conclusions: Individuals who believe in greater hereditary susceptibility to cancer are more likely to want to be informed if they have a genetic predisposition to cancer. Importantly, Hispanic and Black individuals were more likely than non-Hispanic Whites to want to know about their genetic risk to cancer, which highlights the critical need to overcome barriers related to access and cost and ensure equitable access to genetic testing. Outreach and educational efforts are needed to address fatalistic beliefs and lack of information or misinformation. Citation Format: Ashley Hatch, Heidy N. Medina, Nicholas A. Borja, Matthew Schlumbrecht, Patricia I. Moreno. Understanding beliefs about hereditary susceptibility for cancer: An analysis of HINTS 2020 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2026 Apr 17-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 7561.

BACKGROUND:Endometrial cancer outcomes differ among Black women when examined by nativity, and timely evaluation of postmenopausal bleeding (PMB), the most common presenting symptom, may contribute to these disparities. METHODS:This qualitative study explored cultural, societal, and behavioral factors shaping PMB appraisal and anticipated care-seeking among US-born Black, Caribbean-born Black, and Haitian Creole-speaking women in South Florida, guided by the Safer-Andersen Model of Total Patient Delay. Ten focus groups were conducted with 55 Black women aged ≥50 years recruited through purposive and snowball sampling. Discussions were held in English or Haitian Creole, audio-recorded, professionally transcribed, translated when needed, and analyzed thematically using a hybrid deductive-inductive approach. Reporting followed the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research. RESULTS:Three themes emerged: limited awareness and information-seeking regarding menopause and PMB; cultural and societal influences, including faith-based coping, traditional remedies, and limited family discussion of health history; and healthcare system barriers, including cost, lack of insurance, distrust, and communication challenges with providers. Subgroup differences were noted in preferred information sources, perceived susceptibility, and the role of religion in care-seeking. CONCLUSIONS:Findings suggest that PMB appraisal and anticipated care-seeking vary by nativity and language among Black women. Nativity- and language-tailored community education and navigation strategies may improve symptom recognition and support timely evaluation, but future quantitative studies are needed to test whether these approaches reduce pre-diagnostic intervals for endometrial cancer.

Abstract Background: Fear of cancer recurrence is among the most common unmet survivorship needs, and adherence to recommended cancer screening guidelines remains critical, as nearly one in five new cancers diagnosed in the US occurs among individuals with a prior cancer history. Using data from a representative sample of US adults with a history of cancer, this study aims to identify sociodemographic, clinical, and psychosocial predictors of fear of cancer recurrence and to examine its association with adherence to cervical, breast, and colorectal cancer screening guidelines. Methods: Data from the 2021 Health Information National Trends Survey-Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (HINTS-SEER) pilot project (N=1,234) were analyzed. Screening adherence was defined according to guideline-recommended timeframes from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and the American Cancer Society. Survey-weighted linear regression models were used to identify factors associated with fear of cancer recurrence. Survey-weighted logistic regression was conducted to evaluate the association between fear of cancer recurrence and adherence to cervical, breast, and colorectal cancer screening. Models were adjusted for age, sex (as appropriate), stage at diagnosis, marital status, education, race/ethnicity, insurance status, treatment status, SEER registry, patient-centered communication, self-efficacy, cancer prevention beliefs, psychological distress, smoking, alcohol use, and physical activity. Results: The most common cancers were breast (24%), male reproductive (23%), gastrointestinal (11%), and skin (10%), with 70% diagnosed at localized stage. About 12%, 27%, 31%, 22%, and 9% of cancer survivors reported being “not at all”, “slightly”, “somewhat”, “moderately”, and “extremely” worried about cancer recurrence, respectively. Among participants meeting guideline-based eligibility criteria, 76%, 82%, and 96% were adherent to cervical, breast, and colorectal cancer screening, respectively. In multivariable linear regression, greater fear of cancer recurrence was associated with currently receiving cancer treatment (β=0.92, p<0.0001), lower self-efficacy (β=0.19, p=0.0004), and higher psychological distress (β=0.05, p=0.017). In multivariable logistic regression greater fear of cancer recurrence was associated with higher odds of breast cancer screening adherence (OR 1.88, 95%CI 1.07-3.31, p=0.028), but not cervical or colorectal screening. Conclusions: A large proportion of cancer survivors reported some degree of fear of recurrence. Fear of cancer recurrence was associated with treatment status, psychological distress, and perceived self-efficacy and was linked to breast cancer screening adherence. Further research is needed to determine how fear of recurrence can be appropriately addressed within survivorship care to support guideline-concordant screening. Citation Format: Heidy N. Medina, Frank J. Penedo, Ashley N. Hatch, Matthew P. Schlumbrecht, Patricia I. Moreno. Fear of recurrence and cancer screening adherence among cancer survivors: A HINTS-SEER 2021 study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026; Part 2 (Late-Breaking, Clinical Trial, and Invited Abstracts); 2026 Apr 17-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86(8_Suppl):Abstract nr LB378.

BACKGROUND:In 2020, 24,000 new cancer cases were diagnosed among adolescents and young adults (AYAs) in Mexico. Cancer-related infertility affects 30%-75% of AYAs and is associated with poor quality of life, relationship satisfaction, and self-worth. This study examines the association between infertility, anxiety, and depression among AYA cancer survivors in Mexico. METHODS:Data for AYAs (ages 15-39) in the Registro de Supervivientes de Cancer (Cancer Survivor Registry) developed by the Instituto Nacional de Cancerología in Mexico was utilized. A self-report survey was conducted during 2014-2018. Logistic regression models were used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS:AYA cancer survivors (N = 1168) had a median age of 31 (interquartile range: 25-36), were predominantly women (75%), and 42% had a college education or higher. The most common cancers were breast (33%), lymphoma (12%), cervical (10%), and testicular (9%) with the majority being Stage III (19%) tumors. Approximately 1 in 8 AYAs (12%) reported infertility. Across men and women, after adjusting for age at diagnosis, time since the end of treatment, education level, geographical region, stage, treatment type, and cancer type, AYAs who reported infertility were more likely to experience depression (OR 1.52, 95% CI: 1.02-2.26) symptoms than those who did not report infertility. There was no association between infertility and anxiety among all AYA cancer survivors combined. CONCLUSIONS:Infertility is associated with depression symptoms among AYA Mexican cancer survivors. Mexican AYA cancer survivors experiencing infertility may need additional support to address unmet care needs.

OBJECTIVE:Prognostic awareness is critical for patients with advanced cancer to make informed end-of-life care decisions. However, evidence linking prognostic awareness to quality of life (QOL) is mixed, partly due to variations in factors such as cancer type, age, and anxiety levels. We evaluated the extent to which these factors moderated the association between prognostic awareness and patient-reported QOL across three theoretically driven domains of prognostic awareness: cognitive acknowledgment (recognition of incurability), emotional coping (emotional processing), and adaptive response (using awareness to guide life and medical decisions). METHOD:Data were obtained from a cross-sectional observational study of prognostic awareness in adults with metastatic solid tumors at Massachusetts General Hospital (2019-2022), including breast (23%), GI (27.6%), GU (24.3%), and lung (25.1%) cancers. Surveys assessed prognostic awareness (Prognostic Awareness Impact Scale), anxiety symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and QOL (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy). Cancer type was confirmed by chart review. Moderation analyses used multivariable regression. RESULTS:Among 395 participants (Mage = 65.5, 50.9% female, 98% non-Hispanic White), emotional coping (B = 1.73), adaptive response (B = 0.33), and longer time since diagnosis (B = 0.003) were associated with better QOL, regardless of age, anxiety symptoms, or cancer type. Cognitive acknowledgment was not associated with QOL (p = .09). CONCLUSION:The ability to cope with prognosis (emotional coping) and make informed decisions based on such knowledge (adaptive response) was positively associated with patients' QOL across age, anxiety symptoms, and cancer type, suggesting no specific vulnerabilities or protective factors among the tested moderators. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).

PURPOSE:Tracking patient-reported outcomes (PROs) offers critical insights into cancer survivors' symptoms and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). This study evaluated longitudinal trajectories of PROs across cancer types and identified factors associated with symptom burden and HRQOL. METHODS:We conducted a retrospective longitudinal observational study of 6939 cancer survivors (breast, prostate, lung, head and neck (H&N), gastrointestinal (GI), gynecological (GYN), and hematological malignancies) in ambulatory oncology clinics. All cancer survivors completed electronic health record-integrated PRO assessments measuring anxiety, depression, pain interference, fatigue, and physical function, and HRQOL. Linear mixed-effect models evaluated difference in PRO level and change over time by cancer types, adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical covariates. RESULTS:Meaningful differences in overall symptom burden were observed across cancer types. Survivors with GYN cancers reported consistently higher anxiety, pain interference, fatigue, and poorer physical function, whereas prostate cancer survivors reported lowest symptom burden and highest HRQOL. Hematologic malignancy survivors improved in physical function over time compared to prostate cancer survivors. Chemotherapy and surgery were associated with greater pain interference, fatigue, reduced physical function, and lower HRQOL. Greater comorbidity burden and being unpartnered were associated with worse PRO. CONCLUSIONS:PRO trajectories varied by cancer types and patient characteristics, underscoring the need for tailored, cancer-specific survivorship care strategies. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS:Routine, EHR-integrated PRO monitoring can identify survivors at risk for persistent symptom burden and support timely, individualized interventions to improve long-term HRQOL.

Suicidal ideation (SI) is a complex phenomenon occurring across populations and is especially prevalent among patients with serious illness. Palliative care (PC) clinicians often care for patients at elevated risk for SI and are well positioned to identify and respond to suicidality. Clinical encounters may require distinguishing passive wishes for death from active suicidal intent, addressing modifiable sources of suffering, and supporting patients and families through emotionally complex conversations. Practical, evidence-informed guidance can help clinicians approach these encounters with greater clarity and confidence. In this article, an interdisciplinary group of PC, psychiatry, psychology, social work, and chaplaincy clinicians shares ten tips for caring for patients with serious illness who experience SI.

Significant racial and ethnic disparities exist in endometrial cancer (EC), particularly among subpopulation Black women. Haitian women specifically have a higher risk for EC with worse survival outcomes. However, little is known about how cultural and structural factors influence care-seeking delays among Haitian women, which can directly impact survival. Cultural beliefs, family dynamics, healthcare mistrust, health insurance and cost barriers, and limited awareness of EC symptoms—such as abnormal vaginal bleeding (AVB)—all shape healthcare-seeking behavior but have been inadequately assessed in this population. Because the incidence of EC in younger women has increased over the last decade, this study explores factors affecting care-seeking among premenopausal Creole-speaking Haitian women experiencing AVB. We conducted four focus groups with Haitian women (n=19) under the age of 50. Data were coded using NVivo and analyzed thematically, guided by the Andersen Model of Total Patient Delay. Two independent raters identified six key themes related to delay care-seeking. Themes aligned with appraisal, illness, and behavioral delay stages: (1) Awareness and Understanding of Menopause—limited recognition of EC symptoms led to misattribution (e.g., menopause or contraceptive side effects); (2) Information Seeking and Appraisal—participants often relied on self-research or social validation before seeking care; (3) Social Influence on Decisions—family and friends played a key role in prompting or delaying action; (4) Stigma and Taboos—cultural silence around vaginal bleeding discouraged disclosure; (5) Access and Organization—long appointment wait times and perceived bias from providers led to delayed care; (6) Traditional Practices and Beliefs—use of herbal remedies and spiritual healing often preceded biomedical care. Many expressed mistrust toward the medical system and preferred culturally congruent information sources. Care-seeking behavior in premenopausal Haitian women with AVB is driven by the intersection of multiple levels of influence. Strategies to prompt evaluation should include enhanced EC symptom recognition, reduction in stigma, and integration of traditional practices with clinical care. Wilmar B. Mondestin, Maurice J. Chery, LaShae D. Rolle, Alejandra Casas, Sara M. St George, Frank J. Penedo, Kallia Wright, Patricia I. Moreno, Nadine Philogene-Vincent, Sophia HL. George, Matthew P. Schlumbrecht. Cultural and structural factors influencing care-seeking delays for abnormal vaginal bleeding among premenopausal Haitian women [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 18th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities; 2025 Sep 18-21; Baltimore, MD. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2025;34(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B071.

BACKGROUND:Patient activation is established when patients are equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills, and motivation to meaningfully participate in managing their health and, along with shared decision-making, improves clinical outcomes like treatment adherence. Little is known regarding patient activation among Hispanics/Latinos with metastatic cancer, who report worse quality of life and symptom burden compared to non-Hispanic/Latino Whites. AIMS:This study aimed to characterize barriers and facilitators to patient activation and shared decision-making among English- and Spanish-speaking Hispanics/Latinos with metastatic cancer. METHODS:Three, 2-h focus groups with Hispanics/Latinos with metastatic solid tumors (N = 22) were audio-recorded and transcribed. Semi-structured interviews addressed experiences living with metastatic cancer, palliative care beliefs, and communication with healthcare team. Barriers and facilitators were identified through secondary analysis of interviews. RESULTS:Barriers included: (a) feeling overwhelmed by treatment decision-making; (b) lack of clarity regarding treatment and diagnosis; (c) lack of symptom management resources; and (d) concerns regarding English fluency and medical terminology. Facilitators included: (a) self-advocacy for treatment options and quality of life resources; (b) feeling comfortable asking care team questions; (c) having a skilled support system; and (d) avoiding unhelpful medical information. Patient activation levels varied, but all participants expressed a desire to be proactively included in decisions throughout care. CONCLUSIONS:Results suggest that patient activation may be promoted in this population through the provision of information/resources that are timely, accessible, and relevant to their care needs and active inclusion of patients in decision-making. Findings will guide culturally-adapted interventions that increase patient activation and shared decision-making.

Functional impairment is associated with worse quality of life, symptom burden, and clinical outcomes among individuals with cancer. In Mexico, a middle-income country with a rapidly aging population and rise in cancer cases, there is a lack of research on cancer survivorship challenges, including functional impairment and psychological distress. This study examines the association between functional status, psychological distress (i.e., anxiety and depression), and survival among cancer survivors in Mexico. A retrospective analysis of cancer patients (N = 967) at the Instituto Nacional de Cancerología in Mexico during 2017 to 2023 was conducted. Cancer-related variables were extracted from the electronic medical record. Patients were administered the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and functional status was determined by the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance scale. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Exploratory all-cause Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were performed. The median age was 61 (IQR: 52-69), 70% were women, 44% were married, and 30% had only a basic elementary school education. Patients had breast (35%), lung (24%), prostate (21%), and cervical (20%) cancer with 34% presenting at Stage IV. More than half had ECOG 0 status (61%), 34% ECOG 1 status, 3% ECOG 2 status, and less than 1% ECOG 3 status. After adjusting for age, sex, education level, marital status, cancer type, stage, treatment type, comorbidities, and alcohol use, patients with ECOG 1 status (limitations in strenuous activity only) had a higher likelihood of experiencing symptoms of anxiety (OR 1.72, 95% CI: 1.06-2.78) compared to those with ECOG 0 (no restrictions). Patients with ECOG 2 status (unable to carry out work activities, restricted to self-care only) had a higher likelihood of experiencing depression symptoms (OR 3.66, 95% CI: 1.23-10.88) compared to those with ECOG 0 status, adjusting for the same covariates. There were no differences between ECOG 1 and 2 status patients. Exploratory survival analyses showed that cancer survivors with symptoms of depression had a 3.5-fold higher risk of death (HR 3.50, 95% CI: 1.64-7.45) than those with no symptoms, after taking into account functional status and all covariates listed above. Symptoms of anxiety were not associated with risk of all-cause death. Psychological distress is linked with functional impairments among Mexican cancer survivors. Symptoms of depression also predict worse survival outcomes. Findings highlight the importance of timely screening and identification of psychological distress and functional impairment to optimize clinical management. Future research should investigate the underlying mechanisms via which depressive symptomology may impact survival. Heidy N. Medina, Patricia I. Moreno, Frank J. Penedo, Matthew P. Schlumbrecht, Johis Ortega, Erika Ruiz-García, Oscar Galindo Vázquez. Psychological distress, functional impairment, and survival: A retrospective study of cancer survivors in Mexico [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2025; Part 2 (Late-Breaking, Clinical Trial, and Invited Abstracts); 2025 Apr 25-30; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2025;85(8_Suppl_2):Abstract nr LB330.

BackgroundPatient navigation (PN) is a promising yet underused approach to address Hispanic/Latino (H/L) cancer survivors' unmet supportive care needs. The authors conducted a randomized trial to evaluate the effect of a culturally tailored PN program with the LIVESTRONG Foundation's Cancer Navigation Services (PN-LCNS) on reducing unmet needs in H/L survivors.MethodsFrom 2012 to 2015 at two US sites, 288 H/L survivors diagnosed with breast, prostate, or colorectal cancer were randomized to a PN-LCNS program or to standard PN. Participants assigned to the PN-LCNS program received 3-month PN services; access to phone-based, bilingual, one-on-one support; and additional resources (i.e., guidebook, health journal, and care plan). Participants completed assessments at baseline and at 3, 9, and 15 months post-baseline. The Supportive Care Needs Survey was used to assess unmet needs across five domains: psychological, health system and information, physical and daily living, patient care and support, and sexuality. Intervention effects were tested by using separate multilevel growth models for women and men.ResultsWomen randomized to the PN-LCNS program, relative to those who received standard PN, had a statistically significant reduction in unmet needs (i.e., overall and for the health systems and information, physical and daily living, and patient care and support domains). Among men, younger age was associated with greater unmet needs at baseline. Prostate cancer survivors reported greater unmet sexual health needs compared with colorectal cancer survivors. There was no significant change in unmet needs among H/L men.ConclusionsA culturally tailored PN program can reduce unmet supportive care needs among H/L women cancer survivors. However, interventions specifically targeting unmet needs in H/L men and sexual health are still necessary (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02275754).Plain Language Summary Hispanic/Latino (H/L) cancer survivors often report concerns or needs that are not adequately addressed by the health care team, which could be related to psychological, health system and information, patient care and support, physical and daily living, and sexuality issues. In this randomized controlled trial of 288 H/L survivors diagnosed with breast, prostate, or colorectal cancer, women assigned to a culturally tailored patient navigation program experienced a reduction in unmet needs compared with those who received standard patient navigation. H/L men did not experience a change in unmet needs.

Background:Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) is an effective treatment for various hematologic cancers, though it often results in severe side effects and psychological distress, which can negatively impact health outcomes. Integrative therapies like mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), mindfulness meditation (MM), and music therapy (MT) yield promising results in enhancing both psychosocial outcomes (eg, reducing anxiety and depression) and physiological adaptation (eg, decreasing inflammation) in cancer patients. Objective:We developed and refined, using focus groups and environmental and field testing, an eHealth-delivered mindfulness-based music therapy (eMBMT) intervention aimed at improving health-related quality of life, symptom burden (ie, pain, fatigue, and sleep), disease activity (ie, chronic graft-versus-host disease, cytomegalovirus activation, and infections) and psychosocial (ie, depression, anxiety, and cancer-specific distress) and physiological adaptation (ie, inflammation and immune reconstitution) tailored to adults receiving allo-SCT. Methods:eMBMT intervention content is grounded in MT, MM, and MBSR, developed by a multidisciplinary team, and adapted for adults undergoing allo-SCT. eMBMT content was refined through focus groups and usability and field testing. Focus groups used a semistructured interview guide, while field testing used the "think aloud" method. Usability was evaluated using the 30-item Usefulness, Satisfaction, and Ease of Use (USE) questionnaire. Descriptive statistics analyzed the USE questionnaire and participant characteristics, while rapid qualitative analysis was applied to focus groups and field-testing sessions. Survivors eligible to participate in the focus groups and usability and field testing were adults (>18 years old) who received an allo-SCT (<36 months) for myelodysplastic syndrome, acute myeloid leukemia, or chronic myeloid leukemia, and were in remission for greater than 3 months. Results:During the focus groups, participants (n=11; mean age 43.6, SD 17.8 years) provided qualitative feedback highlighting the shock of diagnosis, challenges during hospitalization, and coping strategies posttreatment. The eMBMT platform received positive evaluations for usefulness (mean 6.47, SD 0.29), ease of use (mean 6.92, SD 0.60), and satisfaction (mean 6.16, SD 0.82). Key themes from field testing highlighted the significance of social support, hope, and maintaining an active lifestyle. Suggestions for improvement included incorporating more representative content, reducing text, enhancing guidance, offering diverse music options, and streamlining blood sample collection. Conclusions:The eMBMT intervention is a comprehensive, user-friendly eHealth tool tailored to the unique needs of allo-SCT patients. The positive feedback and identified areas for improvement underscore its potential to enhance well-being, symptom management, and overall quality of life for cancer survivors. A future pilot randomized controlled trial will further evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of the eMBMT intervention in improving health-related quality of life, symptom burden, disease activity, and psychosocial and physiological adaptation.

While metastatic breast cancer (BC) has no cure, treatment advances are helping women live longer. However, these women often experience debilitating treatment symptoms and emotional distress. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based intervention that improves mood and quality of life while allowing for the feelings of grief and loss that are expected when facing a life-limiting prognosis. There is a paucity of randomized controlled trials of ACT among women with metastatic BC. This study examined acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of a tailored ACT intervention in a randomized pilot trial. Women with stage IV BC (N=30) were randomized 1:1:1 to ACT, usual care, or Cognitive and Behavioral Stress Management (CBSM). ACT and CBSM included 8 weekly group sessions (90 minutes each) delivered via videoconference. Participants completed FACT-B and PROMIS measures at baseline, mid-intervention, post-intervention and 1-month follow-up. Cohen’s D effect sizes were calculated. On average, women were 59.7 years old and 5.6 years from metastatic BC diagnosis. Enrollment rate was 88.5% (31/35), randomization rate was 96.8% (30/31), and retention rate was 90% (9/10 for ACT, 9/10 for usual care, 9/10 for CBSM). 100% of women in both ACT and CBSM attended at least half of the 8 sessions and 88.8% attended at least 6 sessions. 94.4% of women in ACT and 88.2% in CBSM would recommend the intervention to another woman living with metastatic BC. The effect sizes at post intervention were greater than .8 for ACT vs. usual care, while only anxiety and meaning were greater than .8 in CBSM vs. usual care (Table 1). Findings demonstrate high feasibility and acceptability for ACT and CBSM in metastatic BC. A full-scale randomized control trial is needed to determine the stability of effects and whether ACT has robust effects on outcomes of interest and optimizes HRQoL among women with metastatic BC. Ashley Hatch, Joanna B. Torzewski, Jessica L. Thomas, Heidy N. Medina, Fiona S. Horner, William J. Gradishar, David Victorson, Frank J. Penedo, Michael H. Antoni, Patricia I. Moreno. Feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of acceptance and commitment therapy in women living with metastatic breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2025; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2025 Apr 25-30; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2025;85(8_Suppl_1):Abstract nr 7356.

Objective: This cross-sectional study investigated the associations of neighborhood-level factors with immune activation, systemic inflammation, and leukocyte telomere length in 110 sexual minority men with human immunodeficiency virus. Method: From 2013 to 2017, sexual minority men with human immunodeficiency virus who used stimulants were recruited in San Francisco, California and provided blood samples to measure the markers of immune activation, systemic inflammation, and leukocyte telomere length. To measure neighborhood-level indices, the home address for each participant was geocoded and linked to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hierarchical linear modeling was employed to investigate the associations of neighborhood-level factors with systemic inflammation and leukocyte telomere length. Results: After adjusting for age, stimulant use, self-reported income, level of education, and race and ethnicity, residing in neighborhoods with greater percentages of poverty (beta = .33, p < .001) and a higher proportion of racial/ethnic minority residents (beta = .26, p < .05) were independently associated with higher levels of interleukin-6. Additionally, residing in neighborhoods with higher percentage of uninsured individuals was independently associated with higher tumor necrosis factor-alpha (beta = .24, p < .05). Indices of neighborhood-level adversity were additionally associated with providing a urine sample that was reactive for stimulants (OR = 1.31, p = .002), which was, in turn, associated with shorter leukocyte telomere length (beta = -.31, p < .05). Conclusions: Future longitudinal research should examine the biobehavioral pathways linking neighborhood-level factors and stimulant use with systemic inflammation and cellular aging.

e13808 Background: Cancer is a leading cause of death for Latinos. They experience higher rates than their white peers of preventable, infectious-agent-causing-cancers, such as stomach & liver cancer. Latina women have experienced a 1% rise in cancer cases since 2011 & Latino children & adolescents experience higher rates of leukemia than any other racial/ethnic group. Latinos face disparities in access to healthcare, cancer screening & treatment, medical representation & experience lower rates of survival due to late-stage cancer diagnosis. Methods: To combat these inequities & identify equitable interventions for Latino health, the Institute of Health Promotion Research & the Mays Cancer Center established the Advancing the Science of Cancer in Latinos (ASCL) Conference. The fourth ASCL Conference convened in San Antonio, TX from February 21-23, 2024. The conference objectives were 1) Examine the intersection of health equity & biological underpinnings in cancer control, prevention, and treatment 2) Foster collaborative initiatives among attendees aimed at addressing cancer-related health disparities within the Latino community. The conference hosted 286 participants (speakers, researchers, physicians, healthcare professionals, patient advocates & students). It comprised of 23 sessions (3 keynotes, 6 plenaries, 6 breakouts, 3 general sessions, 1 special session, 1 lunch panel session) featuring insights from 51 speakers, a poster session highlighting 80 research abstracts & a rapid-fire session tailored for early-career investigators. Sessions focused on multiple topics relevant to Latino cancer research, clinical trials, survivorship, patient advocacy, climate change impacts on cancer, precision medicine, health policy & social determinants of health. Results: A post-conference survey from a cohort of 48 respondents underscored high levels of satisfaction, with 90% expressing contentment regarding the conference experience. Nearly all respondents (98%) rated the relevance of conference content to Latino cancer science as excellent, with 93% regarding the conference as an exceptional platform for information exchange. Impressions regarding session quality were positive, with 90% of respondents indicating a high level of satisfaction, & all survey respondents acknowledging the objectivity, balance & absence of commercial bias in the session content. Conclusions: Results showed that the resounding positivity in attendee feedback reflects the conference's success in fostering meaningful engagement among attendees. The ASCL conference facilitated an understanding of cultural nuances and barriers specific to the Latino community, stimulating collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing Latino health outcomes. Overall, this analysis affirms the conference's success in achieving its stipulated objectives and underscores the need of having consistently coordinated research endeavors to reduce Latino health disparities.