Abstract PS3-05-19: Black women perceptions regarding use of biomarker screening for breast cancer prevention and treatment

Abstract Introduction/Background: Early-onset breast cancer remains a critical public health concern. Despite advances in medical research, young women continue to account for approximately 15% of breast cancer (BC)-related deaths. Among these, Black young women have double the mortality rate at 12.1 per 100,000 compared to young White women. Black young women face significant disparities in both access to comprehensive BC preventive care, and the personalization of BC treatments. There is a crucial need for improved primary prevention strategies to reduce BC incidence and ensure access to personalized treatment upon diagnosis. Biomarker-based preventative BC screening, and monitoring post-diagnosis offers a promising avenue to combat these disparities. These approaches have the potential to provide individualized risk assessments and individualized BC treatment. The purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives of Black women under the age of 50 living with BC on the acceptability of biomarker-based primary BC prevention screening, as well as biomarker’s role post BC diagnosis. Study Aims: (1) Examine the perspectives of Black women living with BC on the acceptability of preventative BC biomarkers, and use of biomarker monitoring after BC diagnosis; (2) Understand the breast health and BC risk information available to young Black women prior to their diagnosis; (3) Explore the pathways leading to BC diagnosis of these women; and (4) Assess the extent to which biomarker monitoring and genomic testing was received after their BC diagnosis. Methods: Nineteen Black women living with breast cancer were invited to participate in virtual focus groups (FG) via the Zoom platform in November 2025. Each FG session was preceded by an educational PowerPoint presentation detailing the role of primary preventive BC biomarker screening, and biomarker and genomic screening following a BC diagnosis. Using a critical lens informed by Intersectionality Theory and the Embodied Health Movement Theory, Reflective Thematic Analysis was employed to analyze FG transcripts, extracting both articulated and emergent themes. Results: Participants generally expressed openness to the idea of preventive BC biomarker screening, recognizing its potential benefits. However, concerns arose regarding the financial burden of screening, insurance coverage, and fear of how test results might impact access to job benefits. Two participants reported a comprehensive breast assessment due to a known family genetic BC mutation. While 17 participants reported receiving minimal breast health education, no comprehensive BC risk assessments prior to diagnosis, and identified their breast change(s) themselves, which lead to BC diagnosis. Regarding the use of biomarkers in post-diagnosis treatment, responses varied widely. Access to biomarker monitoring was influenced by factors such as the time since diagnosis, disease aggressiveness, and physician preference. Several emergent themes surfaced during the discussions, including the need for self-advocacy both before and after diagnosis, the racialized experience of BC, and the inadequate marketing of BC prevention. Conclusion and Future Research: Biomarkers for BC prevention and use post- diagnosis are novel but promise more personalized BC risk assessments, individualized BC treatment, and improved disease monitoring. Future research should prioritize randomized controlled trials evaluating preventive BC biomarkers, and biomarker monitoring post-diagnosis among diverse young women. Citation Format: R. Campbell, L. Houghton, D. Walker. Black women perceptions regarding use of biomarker screening for breast cancer prevention and treatment abstract. In: Proceedings of the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2025; 2025 Dec 9-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2026;32(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PS3-05-19.