Abstract A139: Examining the association of cardiovascular health attainment with cancer screening adherence in community-dwelling Black women
Authors: Nolan Timiya S. , Zhao Songzhu , Williams Amaris , Brock Guy , Ogonuwe Stephanie S. , Metlock Faith , McKoy Alicia , Davis Loletia , Ewing Aldenise P. , Williams Karen Patricia , Paskett Electra D. , Joseph Joshua J. 
Published: December 2023

Purpose of the study Cancer and cardiovascular disease are leading causes of death in the United States and share modifiable risk factors. Increasing ideal cardiovascular health indicated by the American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple 7 metrics (LS7: blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, body mass index, physical activity, and smoking) and cancer screening adherence are both associated with reducing cancer-related mortality. However, there have been no studies to identify associations between LS7 and cancer screening adherence. It is well documented that people adopting positive health behaviors like physical activity and healthy eating have higher cancer screening adherence. Unfortunately, disparities by race exist in both engagement in health behaviors (key metrics of LS7) and cancer screening. Cancer screening disparities between Black and White women have narrowed over time; however, there are disparities in LS7 attainment by race. Here, we examined the association of LS7 attainment with screen detectable cancer (breast, cervical, and colorectal) adherence in Black women. Methods The Partnering in Negating Statistics (P.I.N.S.) for Black Women Initiative promotes health and wellness among Black women. Its community wellness events provide health education, screenings (e.g., breast, cervical, and cardiovascular health), and research participation opportunities. At P.I.N.S. events, LS7 metrics (score range 0-14) and self-reported cancer screening history were collected. The associations of LS7 with cancer screening adherence were examined using multinomial logistic regression adjusting for age, income, and education. Results In 2021 and 2022, 296 Black women participated in cardiovascular health screenings. They had a mean age of 50.1 years (SD 14.1); 66% employed; 88% insured; 69% with educational attainment ≥ college. The 166 participants with complete LS7 data had intermediate cardiovascular health with a median score of 8 [7-10]. In age adjusted models, a 1-unit increase in LS7 attainment was associated with a 45% higher odds of breast cancer screening adherence (OR 1.45, 95%CI: 1.03, 2.05; n=93), which was similar with full adjustment (OR 1.50, 95% CI: 0.95, 2.39; n=91).  There was no association of LS7 attainment with cervical (OR 1.09, p=0.40; n=124) or colorectal cancer (OR 1.05, p=0.70; n=84) screening adherence. Conclusions In community-dwelling Black women, increasing LS7 attainment may increase odds of breast cancer screening adherence. Research with a larger sample is needed.

Citation Format: Timiya S. Nolan, Songzhu Zhao, Amaris Williams, Guy Brock, Stephanie S. Ogonuwe, Faith Metlock, Alicia McKoy, Loletia Davis, Aldenise P. Ewing, Karen Patricia Williams, Electra D. Paskett, Joshua J. Joseph. Examining the association of cardiovascular health attainment with cancer screening adherence in community-dwelling Black women [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr A139.