Regional Oncology Research Center (Heterogeneity)

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT This application is being submitted in response to the Notice of Special Interest (NOSI) identified as NOT-CA- 24-032. Black women have the highest breast cancer mortality rate and shortest overall survival among all racial/ethnic groups of women in the United States. Adverse social determinants of health (SDoH) (e.g., structural racism) are documented sources of racial disparities in breast cancer. However, research studies examining the mechanistic pathways of these associations and those examining within-group differences among Black women are lacking. This study seeks to overcome these limitations of current research by examining the extent to which SDoH measures are associated with inflammatory biomarkers among Black women. We will recruit a socio-demographically heterogeneous sample of Black breast cancer survivors from Maryland. Participants will provide survey data, blood samples, and qualitative data. Integrating these data, we will assess associations and generate new hypotheses about the influence of adverse SDoH on breast cancer among Black women. In Aim 1 of the study, we will examine associations between SDoH, patient-reported outcomes, and inflammation-related protein biomarkers in a sample of 100 socio-demographically diverse Black BC survivors. We will employ statistical and laboratory analyses to examine associations of SDoH measures and health-related quality of life with inflammatory biomarkers overall and explore stratifications by measures of individual socioeconomic position. In Aim 2 of the study, we will conduct eight focus groups with a subset of participants from Aim 1. Focus groups will be homogeneous by age group and area of residence to more comprehensively understand within-group lived experiences related to SDoH and breast cancer. We will integrate qualitative analyses with findings from Aim 1 using a mixed methods analytic approach. The study is strongly aligned with NOT-CA-24-032 and with the priorities of the parent grant (P30CA006973). Findings will provide insight into how social factors can impact inflammation and cancer outcomes in varied socio-demographic subgroups of Black women.