What does this research mean for the field?

Financial hardship significantly predicts lower quality of life among Hispanic/Latina breast and cervical cancer survivors. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.NOVEL_FINDING. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

The study aims to evaluate how non-medical drivers of health impact quality of life among Hispanic/Latina breast and cervical cancer survivors.

February 22, 2026

Abstract PS1-02-15: The influence of non-medical drivers of health on quality of life among Hispanic/Latina breast and cervical cancer survivors

Key Result

Financial hardship significantly predicts lower quality of life in Hispanic/Latina breast (β=-3.41) and cervical (β=-8.65) cancer survivors (p<0.05).

Key Points

The study aims to evaluate how non-medical drivers of health impact quality of life among Hispanic/Latina breast and cervical cancer survivors.
Analyzed baseline data from 170 Hispanic/Latina women post-cancer treatment.
Assessed non-medical drivers of health using the Avanzando Salud Center NMDoH Screener.
Evaluated quality of life using FACT scales specific to breast and cervical cancer.
Utilized multivariable linear regressions to estimate associations controlling for other factors.
Financial hardship significantly predicted lower quality of life for both breast (β = -3.41) and cervical cancer survivors (β = -8.65).
Higher comorbidity burden predicted reduced quality of life in cervical cancer survivors (β = -4.49).
Engagement in vigorous exercise was linked to improved quality of life in breast cancer survivors (β = 4.85).
Similar trends were noted among cervical cancer survivors, though not statistically significant due to smaller sample size.

Structured PICO

Do non-medical determinants of health predict quality of life in Hispanic/Latina breast and cervical cancer survivors?

Population

170 Hispanic/Latina women who had completed treatment for breast or cervical cancer within the last decade

Intervention

Non-medical determinants of health (NMDoH) factors including financial hardship, transportation needs, physical activity, healthcare access, and social support

Outcome

Quality of life (QOL) evaluated using cancer site-specific Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT) scales (FACT-B and FACT-Cx)patient reported

Financial hardship and comorbid conditions adversely impact quality of life among Hispanic/Latina breast and cervical cancer survivors, highlighting the need for interventions addressing social and economic challenges.

Main Result

Absolute Event Rate: 0% vs 0%

Abstract

Abstract Background: Hispanic/Latina (H/L) women in medically underrepresented regions, such as South Texas, face substantial disparities in cancer survivorship, including reduced quality of life (QOL) and inadequate supportive care access. Despite growing recognition of the role of non-medical determinants of health (NMDoH) - including financial strain, transportation barriers, and limited social support - few studies have quantitatively assessed their combined impact on survivorship outcomes among H/L breast and cervical cancer survivors. Objective: This study examined how various NMDoH factors predict QOL in breast and cervical cancer survivors participating in Avanzando Caminos, a large NCI-funded cohort study investigating social, cultural, behavioral, and medical influences on Hispanic/Latino cancer survivorship. Methods: Baseline data were analyzed from 170 H/L women who had completed treatment for breast or cervical cancer within the last decade. NMDoH were assessed by cross-referencing Avanzando Caminos data with items from the Avanzando Salud Center NMDoH Screener—an instrument developed by the Center to investigate NMDoH in STX—measuring financial hardship, transportation needs, physical activity, healthcare access, and social support. QOL was evaluated using cancer site-specific Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT) scales: FACT-B for breast cancer and FACT-Cx for cervical cancer survivors. Multivariable linear regressions estimated associations between NMDoH factors and QOL, controlling for sociodemographic and clinical covariates. Results: Financial hardship emerged as a significant predictor of lower QOL across both cancer types (breast: β = -3.41; cervical: β = -8.65; p 0.05). Among cervical cancer survivors, greater comorbidity burden also predicted reduced QOL (β = -4.49; p 0.01). In breast cancer survivors, engagement in vigorous exercise was associated with higher QOL scores (β = 4.85; p 0.05). Although similar trends were observed among cervical cancer survivors, smaller sample size limited statistical significance. Conclusions: Findings demonstrate that unmet NMDoH needs, particularly financial strain and comorbid conditions, adversely impact QOL among H/L cancer survivors. Tailored, culturally informed interventions addressing these social and economic challenges - such as patient navigation and community health worker models - are essential for improving survivorship experiences. Incorporating systematic NMDoH screening into survivorship care planning may enhance supportive service provision and optimize long-term health outcomes in this population. Citation Format: D. Rodriguez, P. Chalela, Y. Lew, N. Rodriguez, J. Ramos, J. Cardenas, C. Carmona, E. Munoz, B. Choi, C. Wang, Y. Manresa, M. Hernandez Krause, D. Perdomo, A. Natori, S. Cole, F. Penedo, A. Ramirez. The influence of non-medical drivers of health on quality of life among Hispanic/Latina breast and cervical cancer survivors 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 PS1-02-15.

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