Abstract 1967: Addressing breast cancer disparities: knowledge and attitudes towards cancer prevention through breastfeeding among African American women in Georgia

Abstract Background: A qualitative needs assessment was conducted to inform the development of a culturally competent breast and ovarian cancer prevention intervention, through the promotion of breastfeeding (BF) and genetic screening for cancer risk among African American (AA) women. In Georgia, AA women are diagnosed with later-stage breast/ovarian cancer and have higher mortality rates. BF initiation and longer duration are associated with reduced risk of cancers, yet BF rates are lower among AA women and few BF promotion programs are culturally competent. Methods: 20 AA Mothers (Age: 18-25y=40%, 25-29y=40%, 31-35y=20%; Edu: ≤HS=60%; # of children: 1=40%) who were either pregnant (n= 9, 45%) or within the first year postpartum (n= 11, 55%), were interviewed. Questions assessed BF intentions and prior experiences, knowledge of BF preventing cancer, familial breast/ovarian cancer risk, best promotion practices, and genetic screening attitudes. Results: Mothers (70%) reported previous BF initiation, with 65% reporting 6wks as the longest BF duration. No mother reported knowing that BF can prevent cancer. When asked about their own risk of cancer, a quarter of mothers reported knowing they were at risk of breast or ovarian cancer; a large majority (85%) were open to genetic screening and wanted to know their genetic risk for cancer. Mothers identified two themes: education and help/peer support to improve BF initiation and duration. There were no differences in responses based on demographics, BF experience, parity, or pregnancy/postpartum. Discussion: Results confirm a lack of knowledge of the cancer risk reduction conferred by BF. Women reported significant support for genetic screening and a need for education and peer social support for BF; these results will inform intergenerational cancer prevention education efforts. Citation Format: Marlo M. Vernon. Addressing breast cancer disparities: knowledge and attitudes towards cancer prevention through breastfeeding among African American women in Georgia [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 1967.