Abstract B050: Health and faith in the Korean community: Increasing breast and colorectal cancer education and screening in Los Angeles

Abstract Background: Koreatown in Los Angeles is home to over 115 churches within 3 miles. Korean churches are sanctuaries that provide support and nurture social connections, especially among Korean immigrants with limited English proficiency, who face challenges in accessing cancer care, including language barriers, lack of health insurance, and fears associated with cancer screening procedures and treatments. Koreans experience higher incidence and prevalence rates of breast and colorectal cancers compared to non-Hispanic White and other Asian subgroups, respectively. To address this, a Health and Faith Initiative was launched in 2018, utilizing evidence-based strategies recommended by Center for Disease Control and Prevention Community Guide and the use of a Cancer 101 curriculum developed by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. METHODS: A three-stage Partnership Development Framework (networking, education, program and research development) was used to grow deep connections and sustainable cancer screening programs with church pastors and leaders, patient navigators, Federally Qualified Health Centers, State Breast and Cervical Early Detection Program providers, Diagnostic facilities, Hospitals and Community Outreach and Engagement staff. Bi- lingual church leaders was selected by pastors and elders at churches were trained as lay community navigators to conduct cancer education workshops using a Cancer 101 curriculum, as well as to support for church member to navigate across the cancer continuum. Church pastors and community health clinics determine outreach, engagement, and research priorities through active participation in Community Advisory Board and research studies. The initiative is sustained through coordination of 2 outreach staff and financial assistance from community benefit and research grants at Cedars Sinai Cancer Center. RESULTS: From June 2023 to May 2024, Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) have led the coordination of 6 breast cancer health education workshops and screening events with 165 people screened (128 screening mammograms, 37 diagnostic mammograms 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B050.