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The current study investigated whether culturally targeted message frames alter preferences for specific colorectal cancer (CRC) screening modalities among African Americans.African Americans who were eligible for CRC screening (Relative to gain-framing, loss-framed messaging enhanced desired thoroughness in CRC screening. Targeted loss-framing enhanced preferences for colonoscopy and decreased preferences for stool-based FIT screening.Findings demonstrate that message framing and culturally targeted messaging can impact CRC screening preferences. Altering preferences may carry implications for reducing CRC screening disparities among African Americans. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

People with cancer commonly rely on loved ones as informal caregivers during and after treatment. Costs related to caregiving and their association with caregiver financial burden are not well understood.Results include data from 964 caregivers of African American cancer survivors in the Detroit Research on Cancer Survivors (ROCS) cohort. Caregiving costs include those related to medications, logistics (e.g., transportation), and medical bills. Financial burden measures included caregiver financial resources, strain, and difficulty paying caregiving costs. Prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of associations between costs and high financial burden were calculated using modified Poisson models controlling for caregiver characteristics.Caregivers included spouses (36%), non-married partners (8%), family members (48%), and friends (9%). Nearly two-thirds (64%) of caregivers reported costs related to caregiving. Logistical costs were the most common (58%), followed by medication costs (35%) and medical bills (17%). High financial hardship was reported by 38% of caregivers. Prevalence of high financial hardship was 52% (95% CI: 24%, 86%) higher among caregivers who reported any versus no caregiver costs. Associations between caregiver costs and high financial burden were evident for costs related to medications (PR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.12, 1.58), logistics (PR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.29, 1.92), and medical bills (PR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.28, 1.92).Most caregivers experienced costs related to caregiving, and these costs were associated with higher prevalence of high caregiver financial burden.Informal caregivers experience financial hardship related to cancer along with cancer survivors.

African Americans suffer disproportionately from colorectal cancer (CRC), due in part to disparities in CRC screening. Better understanding culturally relevant psychosocial factors that impact CRC screening is therefore critical. This study examined how African Americans' perceived cultural competency of their physician is associated with receptivity to take-home stool-based CRC screening. CRC screening deficient African Americans (N = 457) completed a patient-focused measure of perceived cultural competency and watched a brief video about CRC risks, prevention, and screening. Receptivity to stool-based CRC screening was measured using Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) constructs . Participants were also given an opportunity to receive a no-cost at-home Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) kit, and we measured acceptance of this offer as a behavioral outcome (yes-no). Results showed that perceived cultural competency was associated with higher receptive attitudes, more favorable norms, greater perceived behavioral control towards stool-based screening, and also greater intentions to engage in FIT Kit screening (p < 0.001). We also found significant indirect effects of perceived cultural competency on FIT kit uptake through intention-mediated pathways. This study provides crucial evidence that participants' perceived cultural competency may play an important role in preventive health behavior among racial minorities, including CRC screening uptake among African Americans.

OBJECTIVE This study examined how standard and culturally targeted versions of gain and loss-framed messaging affect African Americans' colorectal cancer (CRC) screening receptivity and behavior, as well as their anticipation of experiencing racism in undertaking CRC screening. METHOD Screening-deficient African Americans (N = 457) viewed an informational video about CRC risks, prevention, and screening and were randomized to receive a gain or loss-framed message about screening. Half of participants viewed an additional culturally targeted message about overcoming racial disparities in CRC by obtaining screening. Using the Theory of Planned Behavior, we measured general receptivity to CRC screening. We also measured arousal of anticipatory racism in response to messaging. Finally, we offered participants a no-cost fecal immunochemical testing kit (FIT Kit) and measured uptake and use. RESULTS Message framing interacted with culturally targeted messaging to affect CRC screening receptivity and behavior. Participants were no more receptive to CRC screening when standard loss-framing was used, but were more favorable if loss-framing was culturally targeted. Targeted loss-framing also reduced anticipatory racism, which partially mediated effects on screening receptivity. Finally, although participants least often accepted a FIT Kit with standard loss-framing, effects of messaging on FIT Kit uptake and use were not significant. CONCLUSION This study adds to growing recognition of important cultural nuance in effective use of message framing. Current finding also suggest that targeted and framed messaging could synergistically impact the extent to which African Americans engage in CRC screening, although specific impacts on FIT Kit screening are less certain. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

PURPOSE: Relatively little is known about caregivers of African American cancer survivors. Our goal was to identify the extent of burden among this group of caregivers. METHODS: Responses from 560 informal caregivers of African American participants of the Research on Cancer Survivors (ROCS) study in Detroit, MI were analyzed including demographics, assistance provided including Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), time spent in caregiving, and caregiver burden (CGB). We assessed relationships between CGB and demographic variables, ADLs/IADLs and level of care. Multivariable logistic regression determined which ADLs and IADLs were associated with high CGB. RESULTS: Over 75% of caregivers were female and 97% identified as African American. Mean age was 52.6 years. Fifty-six percent were employed outside the home and 90% were related to the survivor. Caregivers averaged 35.7 hours/week providing care, assisting with on average 2.8 ADLs and 5.0 IADLs. Despite the many hours and activities reported, no caregivers rated CGB as severe; only 4% rated it moderate to severe. ADLs associated with the top quartile of CGB were feeding and toileting; IADLs were finances, telephoning, housework, and medications. CONCLUSIONS: Caregivers for African American cancer survivors provide many hours of care, yet most describe their CGB as low. Although ADL assistance is often available through the healthcare system, assistance with IADLs presents an opportunity to lessen the burden for these caregivers and their care recipients. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: African American cancer survivors receive much care from informal family caregivers, who assist with multiple ADLs and IADLs. Formal IADL assistance programs, similar to those available for ADLs, would benefit both survivors and caregivers.

PURPOSE: Caregivers of cancer survivors may need to take time off work or make other employment changes to handle caregiving demands. Work impacts of caregiving, financial burden, and psychosocial outcomes of caregivers are not well understood. METHODS: Results include information from surveys completed by 202 employed caregivers of participants in the Detroit Research on Cancer Survivors cohort, a population-based cohort of African American survivors of breast, colorectal, lung, or prostate cancer. Relationships between work outcomes, financial burden, and anxiety and depression were assessed using logistic regression models controlling for demographic and cancer-related factors. RESULTS: Most (73.8%) caregivers made some employment change. Sixty percent changed their schedule, hours, duties, or employment status; 15.3% took at least 1 month off to provide care, and 38% reported difficulty balancing work and caregiving. Employment changes were strongly associated with difficulty balancing work and caregiving (odds ratio [OR], 5.83; 95% CI, 2.38 to 14.0) and financial burden (OR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.05 to 4.27). Difficulty balancing work and caregiving was associated with symptoms of anxiety (OR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.01 to 3.43) and depression (OR, 2.40; 95% CI, 1.16 to 4.96). High ( v low) financial burden was associated with symptoms of anxiety (OR, 2.85; 95% CI, 1.01 to 8.06). CONCLUSION: Difficulty balancing work and caregiving is common among caregivers of African American cancer survivors and is associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety. Supports for caregivers facing employment challenges may improve their psychosocial well-being.

Purpose: Carriers of pathogenic variants in BRCA1/2 have an elevated lifetime cancer risk warranting high-risk screening and risk-reducing procedures for early detection and prevention. We report on prevention practices among women with pathogenic BRCA variants to evaluate compliance with NCCN recommendations and to identify barriers to guideline-recommended care.Methods: We evaluated women tested positive for pathogenic variant in BRCA1/2 via 54-item questionnaire to measure socio-demographics, medical history, rates of cancer screening and risk-reducing surgery, disclosure of test results, and cancer worry. We reported rates of compliance with risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO), risk-reducing mastectomy (RRM) and NCCN guidelines (version 3.2019). A multivariable logistic regression analyses was used to identify predictors of these outcomes. Results: Of 129 evaluable women with pathogenic BRCA1/2 variants, 95 (74%) and 77 (60%) underwent RRSO and RRM, respectively, and 107 (83%) were considered adherent to NCCN guidelines. After multivariable analyses, personal history of breast or ovarian cancer was positively associated with RRM (OR = 2.81; 95% CI 1.10 – 7.44; p = 0.025). Increasing age was associated with an increased likelihood of RRSO (OR=1.05; 95% CI 1.01 – 1.09; p = 0.022) and a decreased likelihood for RRM (OR=0.96; 95%CI 0.92 – 0.99; p value = 0.013). Women who had RRM were 3 times more likely to undergo RRSO (OR = 3.28; p = 0.004). Rates of RRSO or RRM were not impacted by participant race, education, annual household income, marital status, or family history. There was near universal (127/129) disclosure of genetic test results to family members resulting in the discovery of 1 relative with a pathogenic variant (range = 0-8) through cascade testing. Conclusion: Long term follow up of a cohort of women with pathogenic variants in BRCA1/2 revealed high rates of compliance with screening and risk reducing recommendations. Further efforts should focus on increasing compliance among unaffected carriers especially for RRSO.

BACKGROUND: Screening colonoscopy (SC) for colorectal cancer (CRC) is underused by Latinos. This randomized-clinical trial examined the impact of three interventions: 1) patient navigation, 2) patient navigation plus standard CDC print materials, and 3) patient navigation plus culturally-targeted print materials for Latinos referred for SC. Demographic, personal/health history, and psychometric factors associated with SC were also explored. METHODS: Urban Latinos (N=344) ages 50 to 85 with no personal/immediate family history of CRC before age 60, no personal history of gastrointestinal disorder, no colonoscopy in the past five years, with insurance coverage, and a referral for SC were consented. Participants were randomized to patient navigation (20%), patient navigation plus standard CDC print materials (40%), and patient navigation plus culturally-targeted print materials (40%). Completion of SC was assessed at 12 months. RESULTS: The interventions had an overall SC rate of 82%. Counterintuitively, patients with an average income less than $10,000 had higher SC rates (87%) than those with greater income (75%). CONCLUSION: The addition of standard or culturally-targeted print materials did not increase SC rates above that of patient navigation. Indeed, after controlling for other variables, culturally-targeted print materials were associated with lower SC rates for Puerto Ricans. CONDENSED ABSTRACT: This randomized-clinical trial found that patient navigation led to high SC rates among Latinos. Adding print materials did not increase SC rates above that of patient navigation alone.

Peer-reviewed articles (n = 124) examining associations between medical mistrust (MM) and health outcomes from four databases, between January 1998 and May 2018, were reviewed; 36 qualitative and 88 quantitative studies met the inclusion criteria. The Williams and Mohammed framework guided our narrative synthesis of the studies; it argues that basic causes (e.g., biased institutions) affect the social status of marginalized groups which in turn effects multiple proximal pathways leading to responses and poor health. Most studies were cross-sectional with US-based samples. The MM in qualitative studies were categorized as interpersonal (n = 30), systemic (n = 22), and/or vicarious (n = 18); 25% did not explicitly note the basic causes of MM and race/ethnicity was often confounded with socioeconomic status (SES). All but three studies discussed an association between MM and a behavior response; no study focused on an actual health outcome. Most quantitative studies used multivariate regression analyses; only 15 of the 88 utilized advanced modeling techniques (e.g., mediation). Most (75%) studies did not describe basic causes for MM and 43% utilized low income samples. MM was conceptualized as a predictor/proximal pathway (in 73 studies) associated with a variety of responses, most commonly behavioral (e.g., diminished adherence); 14 studies found an association between MM and a specific health measure. This review underscores the need for future qualitative studies to place MM central to their research questions as in-depth descriptions of MM were limited. Future quantitative studies should replicate findings using more advanced analytical strategies that examine the relationship between MM and health outcomes.

Racial disparities in cancer incidence and outcomes are well-documented in the US, with Black people having higher incidence rates and worse outcomes than White people. In this review, we present a summary of almost 30 years of research conducted by investigators at the Karmanos Cancer Institute’s (KCI’s) Population Studies and Disparities Research (PSDR) Program focusing on Black-White disparities in cancer incidence, care, and outcomes. The studies in the review focus on individuals diagnosed with cancer from the Detroit Metropolitan area, but also includes individuals included in national databases. Using an organizational framework of three generations of studies on racial disparities, this review describes racial disparities by primary cancer site, disparities associated with the presence or absence of comorbid medical conditions, disparities in treatment, and disparities in physician-patient communication, all of which contribute to poorer outcomes for Black cancer patients. While socio-demographic and clinical differences account for some of the noted disparities, further work is needed to unravel the influence of systemic effects of racism against Black people, which is argued to be the major contributor to disparate outcomes between Black and White patients with cancer. This review highlights evidence-based strategies that have the potential to help mitigate disparities, improve care for vulnerable populations, and build an equitable healthcare system. Lessons learned can also inform a more equitable response to other health conditions and crises.

Breast cancer is a common cancer among women in the US and cultural barriers and medical mistrust have been associated with breast cancer screening (BCS) rates among minority populations. A heterogeneous sample of Arab women (N = 196) were recruited from across the Detroit metropolitan area and administered a questionnaire. Multiple regression analyses revealed an association between Arab Cultural Specific Barriers (ACSB) to BCS and Group-Based Medical Mistrust Scale. The environmental ACSB to BCS was associated with the medical mistrust—suspicion of HC providers (β = 0.363, p = 0.01), lack of HC provider support (β = 0.396, p = 0.001), and Arab inequities (β = 0.250, p = 0.05). Findings suggest that ACSB to BCS are predictive of medical mistrust for Arab American women. This study illuminates the need to emphasize strategies that will target the medical care system and the cultural barriers to BCS that Arab American women face in the health care system.

Purpose: Financial hardship due to cancer is more common among African American than White survivors. The COVID-19 pandemic and its economic fallout have also disproportionately affected African Americans. The purpose of this study is to describe the financial and employment impacts of COVID-19 in a population of African American cancer survivors and to compare those impacts with those experienced after a cancer diagnosis. Methods: Results include survey data from 593 participants in the population-based Detroit Research on Cancer Survivors (ROCS) cohort who completed the ROCS enrollment survey and a supplemental questionnaire related to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their financial wellbeing and employment. Most participants (96%) were not diagnosed with COVID-19 by the time they completed the supplement and reflect the societal impact of the pandemic rather than a personal COVID-19 diagnosis. Analyses compare reports of financial hardship (using assets, borrowing money, experiencing debt, decreases in income) and employment impacts (changes to work schedules, duties, hours, employment status) due to cancer and due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: A similar proportion of ROCS participants reported financial hardship (41% vs. 42%) and borrowing money (5% vs. 6%) related to the COVID pandemic and their cancer diagnosis, respectively. Fewer survivors reported borrowing money (9% vs. 17%; p

Objectives. To test the effectiveness of a preclinical, telephone-based patient navigation intervention to encourage colorectal cancer (CRC) screening among older Black men. Methods. We conducted a 3-parallel-arm, randomized trial among 731 self-identified Black men recruited at barbershops between 2010 and 2013 in New York City. Participants had to be aged 50 years or older, not be up-to-date on CRC screening, have uncontrolled high blood pressure, and have a working telephone. We randomized participants to 1 of 3 groups: (1) patient navigation by a community health worker for CRC screening (PN), (2) motivational interviewing for blood pressure control by a trained counselor (MINT), or (3) both interventions (PLUS). We assessed CRC screening completion at 6-month follow-up. Results. Intent-to-treat analysis revealed that participants in the navigation interventions were significantly more likely than those in the MINT-only group to be screened for CRC during the 6-month study period (17.5% of participants in PN, 17.8% in PLUS, 8.4% in MINT; P Conclusions. Telephone-based preclinical patient navigation has the potential to be effective for older Black men. Our results indicate the importance of community-based health interventions for improving health among minority men.

Objective Communication during racially-discordant interactions is often of poor quality and may contribute to racial treatment disparities. We evaluated an intervention designed to increase patient active participation and other communication-related outcomes during interactions between Black patients and non-Black oncologists. Methods Participants were 18 non-Black medical oncologists and 114 Black patients at two cancer hospitals in Detroit, Michigan, USA. Before a clinic visit to discuss treatment, patients were randomly assigned to usual care or to one of two question prompt list (QPL) formats: booklet (QPL-Only), or booklet and communication coach (QPL-plus-Coach). Patient-oncologist interactions were video recorded. Patients reported perceptions of the intervention, oncologist communication, role in treatment decisions, and trust in the oncologist. Observers assessed interaction length, patient active participation, and oncologist communication. Results The intervention was viewed positively and did not increase interaction length. The QPL-only format increased patient active participation; the QPL-plus-Coach format decreased patient perceptions of oncologist communication. No other significant effects were found. Conclusion This QPL booklet is acceptable and increases patient active participation in racially-discordant oncology interactions. Future research should investigate whether adding physician-focused interventions might improve other outcomes. Practice implications This QPL booklet is acceptable and can improve patient active participation in racially-discordant oncology interactions.

Teachable moments (TMs) are situations with potential for promoting health behavior change. Little is known as to whether colonoscopy screening itself may serve as a TM, particularly among low-income or minority populations. Research in this area is needed to inform efforts to address the disproportionate burden of colorectal cancer (CRC) experienced by minorities. This study aims to describe attitudes related to physical activity (PA) and healthy eating among a low-income Hispanic and African American sample, assess whether colonoscopy completion may encourage changes in dietary behavior or PA, and determine the type of interventions minority participants would prefer to promote preventive behaviors. Average-risk African American and Hispanic individuals who are referred for a screening colonoscopy at a Primary Care Clinic between May 2008 and December 2011 were eligible. Data were collected at three time points: at recruitment, 2 weeks before their colonoscopy, and 1 month after their colonoscopy (n = 537). The difference in change in PA from baseline to post-colonoscopy follow-up between those who had a colonoscopy and those who did not was significant (p = .04). Those who completed a colonoscopy increased their PA by 0.26 days on average, whereas, those who did not decreased their PA by 0.46 days. Findings suggest that the time following colonoscopy completion may be ideal to provide health promotion for PA and healthy eating. Future research is needed to explore the mechanisms that influence health behavior change as a result of colonoscopies to inform the development of interventions in this area.

OBJECTIVE: Two longitudinal studies examined whether effects of subjective norms on secondary cancer prevention behaviors were stronger and more likely to non-deliberative (i.e., partially independent of behavioral intentions) for African Americans (AAs) compared to European Americans (EAs), and whether the effects were moderated by racial identity. DESIGN: Study 1 examined between-race differences in predictors of physician communication following receipt of notifications about breast density. Study 2 examined predictors of prostate cancer screening among AA men who had not been previously screened. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Participants’ injunctive and descriptive normative perceptions; racial identity (Study 2); self-reported physician communication (Study 1) and PSA testing (Study 2) behaviors at follow up. RESULTS: In Study 1, subjective norms were significantly associated with behaviors for AAs, but not for EAs. Moreover, there were significant non-deliberative effects of norms for AAs. In Study 2, there was further evidence of non-deliberative effects of subjective norms for AAs. Non-deliberative effects of descriptive norms were stronger for AAs who more strongly identified with their racial group. CONCLUSION: Subjective norms, effects of which are non-deliberative and heightened by racial identity, may be a uniquely robust predictor of secondary cancer prevention behaviors for AAs. Implications for targeted screening interventions are discussed.

Objective The purpose of this study was to examine the state of smartphone applications for cancer intended for the general public with a focus on interactive features, content sources, and application developer affiliations. The level of health provider involvement in screening or appraising application content was also assessed. Methods A total of 123 apps were identified for analysis from two major mobile application marketplaces (Apple iTunes = 40; Google Play = 83). Application characteristics were collected, analyzed, and reported. These included the mobile platform, cost, application developer affiliation, date of last update, purpose of application, content sources, and interactive features. Results In the study sample, 50% of the applications focused on general information for cancer (62/123). Next, this was followed by applications for breast cancer (15%, 19/123) and skin cancer (7%, 8/123). Only 10% of application descriptions (12/123) identified sources for application content. Interactive features included the ability to monitor symptoms, side effects, treatments, and chronic pain (20%, 25/123). Only 3% of the applications (4/123) stated content had been evaluated by health providers. Conclusions This study contributes an updated analysis of applications for cancer available in the digital health marketplace. The findings have implications for information quality and supportive resources for cancer care. More transparent information about content sources, organizational affiliations, and level of health provider oversight in screening application content is warranted. Recommendations for improving the quality of cancer applications are also offered.

12129 Background: COVID-19 has had profound direct and indirect effects on population health to date and long-term effects are anticipated. Vulnerabilities to the most serious consequences of infection include older age, obesity, African American race and the presence of comorbid conditions. African American cancer survivors represent a particularly high-risk group, therefore understanding the impact of the virus and our strategies to prevent its spread on this patient population is important. Methods: The Detroit Research on Cancer Survivors (ROCS) cohort is a unique effort to understand the determinants of poor outcomes in African American cancer survivors. Eligible participants were diagnosed with breast, prostate, colorectal, or lung cancer on or after 1/1/2013, or with endometrial or any other cancer before age 50 on or after 01/01/2016 and were identified through the Metropolitan Detroit Cancer Surveillance System cancer registry. To date, we have enrolled 4173 survivors. Full participation includes completion of a baseline survey, and collection of biospecimens, medical records and tumor tissue, if available. Participants are also followed annually for outcomes and changes in history. A supplemental survey focused on the impact of COVID-19 was offered to enrolled participants beginning in the spring of 2020. The results presented here include data from 890 survivors who also completed the ROCS COVID survey. Results: Nearly all ( > 99%) survivors reported some change in their daily activities in an effort to reduce the risk of infection. At the time of survey, just over 1/3 of participants reported being tested for the virus and among those, 12% reported positive results. More than 40% of survivors reported some disruption in their access to medical care. A substantial ( > 40%) proportion of survivors reported feeling anxious, depressed and/or isolated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Approximately 40% of patients reported changes in health behaviors as a direct result of the pandemic that are known to negatively affect survivorship outcomes (physical inactivity, smoking, alcohol use). Notably, 30% of survivors reported declines in physical activity and these declines were significantly associated with increased anxiety (p = 0.008), depression (p = 0.005) and poorer health-related quality of life (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on African American cancer survivors has been substantial, affecting both their physical and mental health and access to needed medical care. Coupled with changes in health behaviors as a direct result of the pandemic, these factors will likely affect outcomes in this high-risk patient population making further study and interventions necessary to mitigate the long-term impact of the pandemic on cancer outcomes.

Lay Health Advisor (LHA) programs hold tremendous promise for reducing health disparities and addressing social determinants of health in medically underserved communities, including African American populations. Very little is understood about the capacity of LHAs in these roles and the broader contributions they make to their communities. This article seeks to address this gap by describing the characteristics and capacity of a sample of 76 female African American LHAs from a nationally disseminated evidence-based LHA program for breast and cervical cancer screening (The National Witness Project), as well as potential differences between cancer survivors and nonsurvivors who serve as LHAs. A conceptual model for understanding LHA capacity and contributions in underserved communities at the individual, social, and organizational levels is presented. We describe LHA experiences and characteristics (e.g., experiences of mistrust and discrimination, racial pride, sociodemographics), capacity at the individual level (e.g., psychological and physical health, health behaviors), capacity at the social level (e.g., social networks, social support), and capacity at the organizational level (e.g., role-related competencies, self-efficacy, leadership, role benefits/challenges). Data were obtained through interview-administered telephone surveys between 2010 and 2011. Findings highlight the critical capacity that LHAs bring to their communities and the importance of supporting LHAs to sustain these programs and to address racial/ethnic health disparities.

For many cancers, African Americans are diagnosed at a later stage and have poorer cancer outcomes than whites. Based on few studies, informal caregivers for African Americans are nearly all female, less than 65 years old, and provide assistance mostly with Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs). We surveyed a larger number of caregivers than previous studies about their objective and subjective care burden. Informal caregivers were recruited by nomination from participants in the Detroit Research on Cancer Survivors study, a population-based cohort study of African Americans residing in metropolitan Detroit diagnosed with a primary invasive cancer of the breast, colon/rectum, lung or prostate since January 1, 2013. Caregivers completed a baseline survey after being nominated and consenting to participate, and are invited to complete annual follow-up surveys. The survey included items on demographics, assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), assistance with IADLs, and subjective caregiver burden (using a validated Care Burden Scale). Baseline characteristics of the first 350 informal caregiver/survivor dyads are reported here. Approximately 82% of nominated caregivers chose to participate. Most (n=145) cared for a breast cancer survivor, followed by prostate (122), colorectal (42) and lung (40). Approximately one third of cancer survivors were diagnosed with Stage I disease, another third with Stage II, and another third with advanced disease. The average age at diagnosis was 57.9 years. Most caregivers (77.7%) were female, African American or multiracial (>90%), completed education beyond high school (65.1%), were related to the survivor (90.0%), lived in same household or within 20 minutes (85.7%), and had at least one comorbidity (85.4%); 29.1% had four or more comorbidities. The average caregiver age was 52.5 years. About half (56.6%) were employed either full or part-time at the time of the survivor’s diagnosis. Caregivers spent between 6-9 hours/day, 5-6 days/week, on average, in care. Additionally, they spent about 8 hours per week driving and/or accompanying the patient to appointments. The most common ADL needs (~60%) provided by caregivers were transferring, climbing stairs and dressing. Most (70-90%) survivors received assistance with the specific IADLs of housework, laundry, shopping, cooking, and driving. The reported burden was “little to none” for most caregivers (78.7%), with those no longer providing care at the time of survey more likely to recall the least burden. Similar to other reports of cancer caregivers, the 350 caregivers for African American cancer survivors in this study were overwhelmingly female, related to the survivor and lived in close proximity. Our future research will focus on why most caregivers reported their caregiving burden as minimal despite the number of hours and amount of assistance provided. Additionally, changes in the caregiving experience will be studied as dyads are followed over time. Citation Format: Kendra Schwartz, Julia Mantey, Julie Ruterbusch, Stephanie Pandolfi, Theresa A Hastert, Hayley Thompson, Jennifer Beebe-Dimmer, Ann G Schwartz. Care burden of informal caregivers of African American cancer survivors [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 D083.

UNSTRUCTURED We opted to not include an abstract since we are submitting a short viewpoint paper.

Although fears of colonoscopy may deter African Americans and Hispanics from having a screening colonoscopy, little is known about these fears. This study sought to: (1) identify the proportion of African Americans and Hispanics who experience colonoscopy-specific fears; and, (2) identify factors associated with these fears. Data were collected at an academic hospital in New York City between the years of 2008-2010. Following a primary care visit, African Americans (N=383) and Hispanics (N=407) who received a recommendation for a screening colonoscopy completed a questionnaire that assessed: colonoscopy-specific fears (e.g., fear of the pain associated with the colonoscopy), demographics, and psychological variables. Presence of colonoscopy-specific fears was endorsed by 79.5% of participants. Multiple regression analyses revealed that being female (p

Patient navigation (PN) effectively increases screening colonoscopy (SC) rates, a key to reducing deaths from colorectal cancer (CRC). Ethnic minority populations have disproportionately low SC rates and high CRC mortality rates and, therefore, especially stand to benefit from PN. Adapting the Health Belief Model as an explanatory model, the current analysis examined predictors of SC rates in two randomized studies that used PN to increase SC among 411 African American and 461 Latino/a patients at a large urban medical center. Speaking Spanish but not English (odds ratio (OR), 2.192; p

The association between excess body weight and colorectal cancer screening is not well established. The purpose of this analysis was to explore, in the context of patients receiving navigation, whether obesity influences receipt of screening colonoscopy among lower-income Latinos and African Americans.This sub-analysis was conducted among Latinos and African American participants who received patient navigation and had complete body mass index (BMI) data (n = 520). Cross-sectional survey data were collected at baseline among individuals 50 years and older who were referred by their primary care providers for a colonoscopy at Mount Sinai's Primary Care Clinic. BMI was based on height and weight data from chart review at baseline, and colonoscopy completion status was collected at 1 year post-baseline.The mean BMI of the sample was 31.17 kg/m(2), with over half (53 %) of the sample categorized as obese. Rates of colonoscopy screening were high (~80 %), regardless of weight status. Adjusting for age, gender, race/ethnicity, family history of colorectal cancer, smoking status, comorbid conditions, income, marital status, insurance, and education, obesity status was not significantly associated with screening behavior among the entire sample (adjusted OR 0.81, CI 0.49-1.32, p = 0.39) or among stratified race/ethnicity and gender groups.These findings suggest that obesity may not negatively influence receipt of colonoscopy screening in the context of patient navigation among minority participants. Further studies are needed to determine whether this finding will be observed in other populations, with and without the assistance of a patient navigator.

Background An increasing number of behavioral and psychosocial cancer interventions incorporate new media elements that are digital, networked, and interactive. However, it is unclear to what extent new media is being leveraged to benefit underserved racial and ethnic groups who disproportionately bear the burden of cancer. This inquiry is timely in light of growing evidence that these groups are receptive to new media. A systematic literature review was conducted to assess the inclusion of these groups in research on cancer-related new media interventions and use of new media to reduce racial and ethnic cancer disparities. Methods A systematic search of three databases was conducted for articles published between January 2000 and March 2012 that presented studies of user experience with a behavioral or psychosocial cancer-related intervention with at least one new media component. Results Thirty-six articles were included in the final review. In about one-quarter of the studies, less than 20% of par ticipants were African American, Latino, Asian American, or American Indian. In less than 10% of the studies, 80% or more of the samples were members of the aforementioned groups. Almost one-third of the studies reviewed were categorized as disparity focused but limited data were available on racial and ethnic differences in responses to new media interventions. Conclusions Findings suggest that the promise and potential of new media cancer interventions are largely unrealized among the underserved. Additional research is needed to investigate a wide range of issues related to the development and delivery of such interventions in diverse racial and ethnic groups.

Low-income minorities often face system-based and personal barriers to screening colonoscopy (SC). Culturally targeted patient navigation (CTPN) programs employing professional navigators (Pro-PNs) or community-based peer navigators (Peer-PNs) can help overcome barriers but are not widely implemented. In East Harlem, NY, USA, where approximately half the residents participate in SC, 315 African American patients referred for SC at a primary care clinic with a Direct Endoscopic Referral System were recruited between May 2008 and May 2010. After medical clearance, 240 were randomized to receive CTPN delivered by a Pro-PN (n = 106) or Peer-PN (n = 134). Successful navigation was measured by SC adherence rate, patient satisfaction and navigator trust. Study enrollment was 91.4% with no significant differences in SC adherence rates between Pro-PN (80.0%) and Peer-PN (71.3%) (P = 0.178). Participants in both groups reported high levels of satisfaction and trust. These findings suggest that CTPN Pro-PN and Peer-PN programs are effective in this urban primary care setting. We detail how we recruited and trained navigators, how CTPN was implemented and provide a preliminary answer to our questions of the study aims: can peer navigators be as effective as professionals and what is the potential impact of patient navigation on screening adherence?

Background Despite underuse of genetic services for hereditary breast and/or ovarian cancer risk among Latinas (including counseling and testing for BRCA mutations), there is little known about the barriers and facilitators to BRCA genetic counseling among this group. It is imperative to first understand factors that may impede Latinas seeking BRCA genetic counseling, as it is considered a prerequisite to testing. Methods Quantitative telephone interviews (N = 120) were conducted with at-risk Latinas in New York City to investigate interest, barriers, and beliefs about BRCA genetic counseling. Statistical analyses examined predictors of intention to undergo BRCA genetic counseling. Results Despite moderate levels of awareness, Latinas held largely positive beliefs, attitudes, and knowledge about BRCA genetic counseling. Perceived barriers included logistic concerns (e.g., where to go, cost/health insurance coverage), emotional concerns (e.g., fear, distress), and competing life concerns (e.g., too many other things to worry about, too busy taking care of children or family members). Multivariate results showed that the strongest predictor of intention to undergo BRCA genetic counseling was competing life concerns; Latinas with more competing life concerns were less likely to intend to undergo BRCA genetic counseling (p = 0.0002). Other significant predictors of intention included perceived risk of carrying a BRCA mutation (p = 0.01) and referral by their physician (p = 0.02). Conclusion Educational efforts to promote BRCA genetic counseling among at-risk Latinas and increase referrals by their physicians should incorporate discussion of perceived barriers to counseling, such as competing life concerns that Latinas may need to overcome in order to seek genetic counseling. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

This article assessed the relationship between breast and cervical cancer screening rates and health beliefs in African American women participating in Witness Project of Harlem (WPH) education sessions. WPH is a culturally sensitive, faith-based breast and cervical cancer screening education program targeting African American women in medically underserved New York City communities. A questionnaire administered to women participating for the first time in a Witness Project education session collected demographics, adherence to breast and cervical cancer screening, and information about health beliefs related to cancer worry, medical mistrust, and religious faith. Screening adherence guidelines applied were as per the American Cancer Society recommendations. No statistically significant relationship was found between worry about getting breast or cervical cancer and screening adherence, or between screening adherence and agreement with statements about medical mistrust and religious beliefs. The low screening mammography and monthly breast self-exam rates emphasize the utility of programs like WPH that teach the importance of screening mammography and breast self-exam and point to the need for increased access to quality health care and cancer screening in underserved populations.

Patient navigation (PN) is increasingly used in cancer care, but little is known about the identification and training of patient navigators. PN may be implemented by professional health care providers, paraprofessionals, or lay health workers and, therefore, presents an opportunity to compare professional and lay interventionist experiences. The goal of the current report is to compare the training experiences of four professional (Pro) and five lay (LHW) patient navigators enlisted to increase colonoscopy adherence among African American primary care patients. The results of early assessments showed that LHWs' intervention-related knowledge was significantly lower than that of Pros. However, there were no significant differences in knowledge scores between LHWs and Pros for most subsets of knowledge items in later assessments. Furthermore, there were no significant differences in LHWs' and Pros' reported self-efficacy and satisfaction with training. Findings support the use of diverse strategies to train and prepare LHWs as patient navigators.

Discussion of the pros and cons of prostate cancer screening tests, rather than routine screening, is recommended to support informed screening decisions, particularly among African American men. This study explored physician explanation of pros and cons of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and digital rectal exam (DRE) and its association with knowledge and screening attitudes. Two hundred-one African American men were asked if a physician had ever provided a comprehensive explanation of pros and cons of the PSA test and DRE. All men completed a 10-item prostate cancer knowledge scale and a subset completed a 26-item attitudes measure. Only 13% of the sample reported receiving a comprehensive explanation. Also, prostate cancer knowledge in the sample was low (mean = 43% correct). Multivariate analyses revealed that total prostate cancer knowledge was associated with men receiving a comprehensive explanation (p = .05), as well as past prostate cancer screening (p = .02) and younger age (p = .009). Although comprehensive explanation of prostate cancer screening was related to total prostate cancer knowledge, it was unrelated to a subset of items that may be central to fully informed screening decisions. Furthermore, comprehensive explanation of prostate cancer screening (p = .02), along with DRE recommendation (p = .009) and older age (p = .02), were related to fewer negative screening attitudes. Findings suggest that continued focus on patient education and physician communication is warranted.

Objective: Rising health disparities are increasingly evident in relation to use of genetic services (including genetic counseling and testing) for breast cancer risk, with women of African descent less likely to use genetic services compared with Whites. Meanwhile, little is known regarding potential within-group acculturation and psychological differences underlying perceived barriers to genetic testing among women of African descent. Methods: Hypothesized contributions of acculturation factors and breast cancer-specific distress to perceived barriers to genetic testing were examined with a statistical analysis of baseline data from 146 women of African descent (56% US born and 44% foreign born) meeting genetic breast cancer risk criteria and participating in a larger longitudinal study that included the opportunity for free genetic counseling and testing. Perceived barriers assessed included: (1) anticipation of negative emotional reactions, (2) stigma, (3) confidentiality concerns, (4) family-related worry, and (5) family-related guilt associated with genetic testing. Results: In multivariate analyses, being foreign born was a significant predictor of anticipated negative emotional reactions about genetic testing (β=0.26; SE=0.11; p=0.01). Breast cancer-specific distress scores (avoidance symptoms) were positively related to anticipated negative emotional reactions (β=0.02; SE=0.005; p=

Previous studies have identified specific attitudes (pros and cons) about BRCA testing held by women of African descent that are associated with decisions to participate in testing. These testing attitudes may be determined, in part, by temporal orientation, or how one perceives the significance of events and the consequences of their actions in terms of past, present, and future. The current study explored the relationship between temporal orientation and pros and cons of BRCA testing among 140 women of African descent with a family history suggestive of a genetic mutation predisposing to breast cancer.Participants completed measures of temporal orientation and genetic testing attitudes.Multivariate analyses indicated that future orientation was positively associated with perceived pros of testing. Additional analyses revealed significant associations between temporal orientation and specific item subsets related to the negative and positive impact of testing on family and personal control over one's health.These results support an association between temporal orientation and attitudes about BRCA testing among women of African descent with family histories of breast cancer.Findings support exploration of temporal orientation in future research on BRCA testing decisions among women of African descent and this construct's importance in developing decision aids and tailoring genetic counseling.

This article focuses on cancer fatalism as a barrier to regular cancer screening among African American and Hispanic women. The purpose of the study was to identify variables associated with cancer fatalism and to investigate the relationship of cancer fatalism and its correlates with adherence to screening for gynecological cancer. Study participants (83 African American women and 98 Hispanic women above the age of 18) were assessed on sociodemographic variables, family health history, current medical access and care, physicians' recommendations, cancer fatalism, and adherence to cancer screening. Multivariate analyses indicated that education was the only variable associated with cancer fatalism. Fatalistic beliefs toward cancer were not associated with adherence to gynecological cancer screening, but a physician's recommendation was. These data indicate that patient-physician communication is crucially important to cancer screening.

Participation in genetic testing for cancer risk is low among women of medically underserved ethnic groups and this is due, in part, to genetic testing attitudes, specifically perceived disadvantages of genetic testing and concerns about possible abuses of genetic testing. The goals of the current study were to: (a) explore genetic testing attitudes, and (b) determine the extent to which ethnicity, awareness of genetic testing, and medical mistrust are associated with genetic testing attitudes. African American, Latina, and Caucasian women (N=273) completed an interview assessing sociodemographic information, genetic testing awareness, medical mistrust, and genetic testing attitudes. Latina participants more strongly agreed with disadvantages of testing than the other ethnic groups. Both Latina and African American women more strongly concurred with concerns about testing abuses compared to Caucasian women. In hierarchical linear regression analyses, Spanish language preference and medical mistrust were the only significant predictors of perceived disadvantages and medical mistrust was the only significant predictor of abuse concerns. These findings support the importance of identifying genetic testing attitudes that may be culturally specific in order to promote culturally competent care by genetic risk professionals.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of replicating an evidence-based model, the Witness Project, for increasing breast and cervical cancer screening with African American women in a variety of locations and organizations in the United States. The quantitative and qualitative methods included a cadre of process and outcome measures to evaluate the effectiveness of the four-phase replication process. The intervention was replicated in 25 sites with 401 volunteers, delivering cancer education and screening programs to over 10,000 women. Key components and criteria of successful replication were established, and preliminary screening outcomes demonstrated a 43.4% increase in mammography in women aged 40 and older. This study demonstrates that the Witness Project model can be effectively replicated, that the replication process can be standardized, and that the replication sites were able to obtain positive screening results comparable to the original intervention outcomes. The model was not able to be effectively replicated with just the "turnkey" toolbox approach, but required additional technical assistance.

Brief., Given the benefits of health-related Internet use, we examined whether sociodemographic, medical, and access-related factors predicted this outcome among African American men, a population burdened with health disparities. African American men (n = 329) completed an anonymous survey at a community health fair in 2010; logistic regression was used to identify predictors. Only education (having attended some college or more) predicted health-related Internet use (P < .001). African American men may vary in how they prefer to receive health information; those with less education may need support to engage effectively with health-related Internet use.

Shallow declines in nocturnal compared with diurnal blood pressure (BP dipping) have been associated with cardiovascular disease. In U.S. samples, Blacks demonstrate less BP dipping compared with Whites. In a sample of 60 Black and 60 White normotensive adults we examined stress, social integration (including parental status), social support, and hostility as potential mediators of the association between race and BP dipping. The effect of race on diastolic BP dipping was partially mediated by parental status. The effect of race on heart rate dipping was partially mediated by stressful life events. No psychosocial factors mediated the relation between race and systolic BP dipping. Although psychosocial factors appear to account for some of the observed racial differences in nocturnal blood pressure decline, our data suggest that these differences cannot be attributed entirely to covarying psychosocial effects.

Current research suggests that pubertal development is occurring earlier in African-American preteen girls in response to familial contextual factors, which may make them vulnerable to low self-image and self-esteem dissatisfaction. This lowering in self-image and self-esteem may contribute to the early initiation of sexual behaviors, putting these girls at risk for pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. These potential risks place these girls in need of prepubertal health promotion, yet preadolescents are not frequently a focus of nursing care delivery except when summer camp and back-to-school physicals are performed. This article presents an in-depth overview of selected literature on self-esteem, discusses findings on self-image and self-esteem from a pilot study on pubertal influences on accelerated sexual behavior, and proposes health promotion strategies for pre- and peripubertal girls to promote positive mental health outcomes. More focused attention is needed on health promotion targeting the developmental transition health needs of prepubertal girls. Targeted health promotion activities may foster healthier pre- and peripubertal girls' perceptions of the meaning of their pubertal physical changes and stronger self-image and self-esteem. The goal of these health promotion activities should be to foster continuity of positive self-image and self-esteem among preteen girls, which is essential to prevent initiation of premature-for-age risk of problem behavior, such as early coitus.

The research literature on eHealth activity across different patient populations is rapidly expanding, yet little is known about eHealth among diverse cancer survivors. Most existing measures of such activity are quantitative (QUAN). Compared to qualitative (QUAL) methods, QUAN methods are limited in capturing in-depth information regarding eHealth experiences that can inform user-centered design of technologies optimized for survivors' use. The goal of the pilot project reported here was to develop a mixed methods approach to assessing the full scope of eHealth activity among African American cancer survivors. Based on a literature review, study investigators created a measure that included 27 eHealth activities across 5 domains: informational, communal, self-care/management, expert care, and transactional. An embedded mixed methods design was used in which QUAN items represented the “primary strand” of data and QUAL probes represented the “secondary strand.” Within each domain, participants responded to QUAN items regarding each activity that asked if they were aware the activity was possible; if they had ever engaged in the activity personally; whether someone else (surrogate) had engaged in the activity on their behalf; the recency of the eHealth activity; how often the activity was related to their cancer; and their interest in engaging in the activity in the future. Then, QUAL probes were presented asking about the reasons they had participated in domain-specific activities and general problems or challenges within activities, or what had kept them from engaging in the activities and the support/resources needed to do so in the future. Participants were 23 African American breast, prostate, and colorectal (CRC) cancer survivors (12 breast; 7 prostate; 2 female CRC; 1 male CRC) identified through the Metropolitan Detroit Cancer Surveillance System, a member of NCI's SEER program. The mean age among participants was 60 years and time since end of primary treatment ranged from 13-46 months. In this pilot sample, 78% reported using the internet. Personal engagement in eHealth activities was highest in the informational domain (range: 9-72% across items) and the most reported activity was searching online for information about specific symptoms or problems. Personal engagement was lowest in the transactional domain. Across both personal and surrogate engagement, eHealth activities most often reported as related to cancer most or all of the time were searching online for information about how to reduce healthcare costs (60%), searching online for information about a hospital or healthcare facility (62.5%), and using technology to track medical symptoms (100%). Across all participants, interest in future engagement was greatest in the informational domain, including searching online for information about specific symptoms (86%), medical treatments or procedures (78%), and signing up to receive online, email or mobile updates on medical issues (74%). Interest in the future engagement was lowest for the communal domain. QUAL probes revealed several challenges within eHealth activities including difficulties in identifying credible health-related online resources; verifying the credibility of online health information; determining effective search terms to find relevant information; managing different policies across healthcare providers related to the electronic exchange of information; and technical problems with devices. Findings led to the revision of this mixed methods approach such that additional QUAN items and QUAL probes were added, with QUAL probes specific to eHealth activities rather than eHealth domains . The revised measure is currently being administered as part of an AHRQ-funded R01 study of eHealth activity among 1200 African American and white cancer survivors in the metropolitan Detroit area. Citation Format: Hayley S. Thompson, Anne Katz, Charity Barnes, Mary Smith, Tara Eaton. A mixed methods approach to assessing ehealth activity among African American cancer survivors. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eighth AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 13-16, 2015; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016;25(3 Suppl):Abstract nr A19.

Low use of BRCA counseling and testing services among black women has been reported in several studies, even though such services may play an important role in reducing racial disparities in breast cancer. Surprisingly, little is known about the extent to which black women at high risk for BRCA mutations actually receive recommendations for BRCA counseling. Thus, a primary goal of the current study was to identify sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with the receipt of physician recommendation for genetic counseling based on the self-report of black women at high risk for BRCA mutations. In this cross-sectional study, participants were 125 black women with a family history suggestive of a hereditary breast and/or ovarian cancer syndrome. Participants were asked about their receipt of genetic counseling recommendation or referral. Physician recommendation was reported by over two-thirds of the sample. Multivariate analyses revealed that older age and study recruitment source, specifically community-based recruitment, were significantly and independently associated with lower likelihood of physician recommendation. Findings highlight the need for additional research to identify subgroups of high-risk black women among whom physician recommendation of genetic counseling is low but would benefit from such counseling.

Despite underuse of genetic services for hereditary breast and/or ovarian cancer risk among Latinas (including counseling and testing for BRCA mutations), there is little known about the barriers and facilitators to BRCA genetic counseling among this group. It is imperative to first understand factors that may impede Latinas seeking BRCA genetic counseling, as it is considered a prerequisite to testing.Quantitative telephone interviews (N=120) were conducted with at-risk Latinas in New York City to investigate interest, barriers, and beliefs about BRCA genetic counseling. Statistical analyses examined predictors of intention to undergo BRCA genetic counseling.Despite moderate levels of awareness, Latinas held largely positive beliefs, attitudes, and knowledge about BRCA genetic counseling. Perceived barriers included logistic concerns (e.g., where to go, cost/health insurance coverage), emotional concerns (e.g., fear, distress), and competing life concerns (e.g., too many other things to worry about, too busy taking care of children or family members). Multivariate results showed that the strongest predictor of intention to undergo BRCA genetic counseling was competing life concerns; Latinas with more competing life concerns were less likely to intend to undergo BRCA genetic counseling (p=0.0002). Other significant predictors of intention included perceived risk of carrying a BRCA mutation (p=0.01) and referral by their physician (p=0.02).Educational efforts to promote BRCA genetic counseling among at-risk Latinas and increase referrals by their physicians should incorporate discussion of perceived barriers to counseling, such as competing life concerns that Latinas may need to overcome in order to seek genetic counseling.

Little is known about psychological distress among women of African descent who are at high risk for a BRCA mutation. This is a group for whom breast cancer risk reduction is critical due to the group’s high rates of breast cancer mortality. Distress is important to consider as it may reduce the potential benefit of genetic counseling and negatively affect decision making related to risk reduction. The goals of the current study were to examine breast cancer-specific distress and depressive symptoms in women of African descent at who are at high risk for a BRCA mutation and to identify background factors associated with these outcomes. Participants were 148 high-risk African American and Caribbean women who were part of a larger study that offered participants BRCA counseling at no cost. Participants completed the Impact of Events Scale, which assessed breast cancer-specific distress, and the Center of Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale, which assessed depressive symptoms. Results of analyses revealed that almost half of the sample achieved scores indicating high and clinically significant breast cancer-specific distress, while almost one-third had clinically significant depression scores. Results further showed that low income was significantly associated with cancer-specific distress, while having a cancer diagnosis was significantly associated with depressive symptoms. These results underscore the need for targeted psychological support throughout the genetic risk assessment process for this particular high-risk group.

Background: Due to disparities in the use of genetic services, there has been growing interest in examining beliefs and attitudes related to genetic testing for breast and/or ovarian cancer risk among women of African descent. However, to date, few studies have addressed critical cultural variations among this minority group and their influence on such beliefs and attitudes. Methods: We assessed ethnic, racial and cultural identity and examined their relationships with perceived benefits and barriers related to genetic testing for cancer risk in a sample of 160 women of African descent (49% self-identified African American, 39% Black-West Indian/Caribbean, 12% Black-Other) who met genetic risk criteria and were participating in a larger longitudinal study including the opportunity for free genetic counseling and testing in New York City. All participants completed the following previously validated measures: (a) the multi-group ethnic identity measure (including ethnic search and affirmation subscales) and other-group orientation for ethnic identity, (b) centrality to assess racial identity, and (c) Africentrism to measure cultural identity. Perceived benefits and barriers related to genetic testing included: (1) pros/advantages (including family-related pros), (2) cons/disadvantages (including family-related cons, stigma and confidentiality concerns), and (3) concerns about abuses of genetic testing. Results: In multivariate analyses, several ethnic identity elements showed significant, largely positive relationships to perceived benefits about genetic testing for breast and/or ovarian cancer risk, the exception being ethnic search, which was positively associated with cons/disadvantages, in general, and family-related cons/disadvantages. Racial identity (centrality) showed a significant association with confidentiality concerns. Cultural identity (Africentrism) was not related to perceived benefits and/or barriers. Conclusions: Ethnic and racial identity may influence perceived benefits and barriers related to genetic testing for breast and/or ovarian cancer risk among at-risk women of African descent. Genetic counseling services may want to take into account these factors in the creation of culturally-appropriate services which best meet the needs of this heterogenous population.