Abstract A023: Exploring weight change among Black breast cancer survivors: A pilot study of ‘Survivors RESET’

This single-arm pilot study assessed changes in weight and body mass index (BMI) among Black breast cancer survivors with obesity and elevated stress in response to a stress-management enhanced, cancer relevant behavioral weight loss intervention (BWLI). Black women have a higher prevalence of obesity compared to White women (54.8% vs. 38.0%)1. Current evidence-based BWLIs typically result in less weight loss among Black women which is associated with worse cancer survivorship. To date, there is a paucity of evidence-based BLWIs specifically tested among breast cancer survivors. As such, our team developed and pilot tested ‘Survivors RESET’, a structured lifestyle change program, adapted from the Centers for Disease Control-recognized Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) Intensive Lifestyle Intervention. Eligible participants were cisgender women aged 18 or older, with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, a history of stage 0–3 breast cancer treated with curative intent, who completed treatments ≥ 21 days prior to enrollment (ongoing hormonal or Abemaciclib therapy was allowed), and elevated stress levels (Perceived Stress Scale Score ≥13). The DPP core curriculum was adapted to include stress management strategies and was tailored to be cancer relevant resulting in ‘Survivors RESET.’ Participants completed 16 core sessions (out of the full 26-session curriculum). Weekly group-based 60-minute sessions were held via Zoom and led by a trained interventionist. Measures included a demographics survey and baseline height and weight assessed following a standardized protocol using a SECA 2-in-1 scale and stadiometer. Descriptive statistics were calculated and paired-samples Student's t-tests assessed within-group changes from baseline to 4 months. Twenty women enrolled, with a mean age of 57.9±7.7 years. Most participants were African American (n=17, 85%), 10% identified as Caribbean Black (n=2); racial/ethnic data were missing for one participant (5%). Most participants were born in the US (n=18, 90%), 70% (n=14) held a college degree or higher, 60% (n=12) reported an annual household income of ≥$60,000, and 70% (n=14) were employed. Results demonstrated statistically significant reductions in weight and BMI from baseline to 4 months. Mean weight decreased from 97.8±17.2 kg to 95.5±17.2 kg (p=0.006), with a mean change of −2.4 ± 3.4 kg (−2.4% of baseline). 75% of all participants lost weight. Among those who lost weight, mean weight loss was -3.7±2.7 kg (-6.0% of baseline). Additionally, 53% of participants lost 3% of their baseline weight, indicating clinical significance. Mean BMI decreased from 37.1±6.4 kg/m2 to 36.2±6.5 kg/m2 (p=0.006), with a mean change of −0.9±1.2 kg/m2. In this pilot study, significant decreases in weight and BMI were observed. Weight loss achieved in this 16-session pilot is comparable to weight loss achieved in many DPP adaptations that deliver a full 26-session curriculum over 1 year. These positive results for Survivors RESET suggest the intervention’s potential efficacy and underscore the need for a full scale, randomized controlled trial. Citation Format: Ana Paula S. Rodrigues, Ashley J. Cooper, Adana A M. Llanos, Khaliah F. Fleming, Sierra E. Pittman, Alissa Pena, Jazmin C. Henderson, Melissa A. Mallory, Steven K. Sutton, Heather S L. Jim, Marilyn Stern, Tiffany L. Carson. Exploring weight change among Black breast cancer survivors: A pilot study of ‘Survivors RESET’ [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 A023.