Abstract B093: A mixed methods study of racial ethnic minority enrollment in biospecimen research

Abstract Background: Racial and ethnic minorities are underrepresented in cancer biospecimen research. Advancements in precision medicine without inclusion of minority groups is likely to exacerbate disparities in cancer care and treatment outcomes. There is a paucity of literature comparing enrollment into cancer biobanks by race, and little is known about specific reasons why patients decline participation. Methods: Between January and December 2021, eligible participants for biospecimen research studies were surveyed for reasons for consenting to or declining participation. Consent rates for participation were compared by gender, race, and age. Open responses were reviewed for themes. Results: Survey responses from 67 participants were analyzed. Twenty-four participants (35.8%) self-identified as White and 43 (64.2%) as non-White. Forty-five (67.2%) respondents reported agreeing to biospecimen research while 21 (31.3%) reported declining. White participants reported significantly higher participation rates compared to non-White participants (87.5% vs. 55.8%, p = 0.012). The majority of respondents (65.7%) reported learning about biospecimen research studies from a research assistant, and 12 participants (18%) reported that a provider recommended participation. Reasons for declining included “going through a lot”, “I do not want to make additional visits for the study” and “my doctor did not recommend it.” Discussion: Our findings suggest that most patients will consent to biospecimen research, however racial minorities are more likely to decline. Qualitative responses suggest that increased provider engagement and use of low-literacy and bilingual education materials may improve participation. Citation Format: Tina Y. Zhang, Anne K. Buck, David Li, Adrian Ilinski, Nina Modanlo, Kiana Mahdaviani, Naomi Y. Ko. A mixed methods study of racial ethnic minority enrollment in biospecimen research [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 15th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2022 Sep 16-19; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr B093.