Abstract B073: Bridging the gap: Community recommendations to improve cancer genetic research and clinical engagement

Abstract Purpose: Populations experiencing the most significant cancer disparities are often the least represented in genomic research. The purpose of this study was to engage community members and community health workers (CHWs) to identify novel ways to increase Black/African Americans (B/AA) involvement in cancer research and clinical genetic services. Methods: We employed the Community Café model, a community-engaged iterative research process, to foster bi-directional dialogue with members of the Black community in St. Louis. Cafés included 2 brief 10-minute educational modules on diversity in cancer genetic research and the importance of family cancer history, each followed by a 30-40 minute facilitated listening session. Note takers recorded and reviewed discussion points with participants, allowing participants to confirm or clarify responses. Café transcripts were transcribed verbatim then coded using both deductive and inductive approaches. Thematic analysis was used to identify emerging themes and representative quotes. Results: Eight community cafes were held (01/2024-05/2024); 6 with 121 B/AA community members (75.8% female; mean age = 53.4 years), most of whom had either been diagnosed with cancer (29.8%) or had a first-degree relative with cancer (31.4%), and 2 with 21 community health workers (CHWs; 90.5% female; mean age = 45.4 years). Several actionable themes emerged. First, participants emphasized the importance of self-advocacy and empowerment to engage in clinical and research conversations. Participants shared many personal anecdotes regarding their or a family member’s experience that influenced their realization the importance of self-advocacy. Second, while the importance of having a bridge between community and clinics was acknowledged, many community members were unaware of CHWs. Once aware of their role, participants advocated for CHWs’ increased presence in their communities. CHWs also highlighted the need to strengthen pathways for CHWs to collaborate within communities and with outside educators and health professionals, as well as more education on and inclusion of CHWs in the healthcare system. Third, participants discussed barriers to participation in cancer genomic research and provided suggestions to facilitate participation. Specifically, researchers need to learn more about community health and create their own relationships in the communities, not just on an organizational level. This can help address community mistrust. Conclusions: Through bi-directional engagement, we facilitated trust and relationship-building with café participants yielding many actionable suggestions to build better partnerships between community and researchers. Our thematic analysis identified community priorities and recommendations to address existing challenges and increase access to and participation in cancer genomic research. Recommendations were incorporated into the CHW training modules and practice support materials that are currently being tested in the next phase of this project. Citation Format: Meera Muthukrishnan, Kayla Wallace, Isabel Temosihue, Briana Wilson, Anjali Kunavarapu, Jessica Mozersky, Bettin Drake, Joyce Balls-Berry, Erin Linnenbringer. Bridging the gap: Community recommendations to improve cancer genetic research and clinical engagement 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 B073.