Abstract B057: Addressing health disparities: Success of African American cancer survivors in the 'Active Living After Cancer' program and the role of Project CHURCH Partnership
Authors: Mitchell Stacy , Basen-Engquist Karen 
Published: September 2024

Purpose: The objective of this study was to explore the experience of African American cancer survivors participating in Active Living After Cancer (ALAC), a 12-session community-based physical activity program for cancer survivors. We will assess the ALAC program and Project CHURCH partnership, both administered through University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center's Health Disparities Research Department, and it’s aims to improve physical activity and physical functioning among African American cancer survivors. Background: Increasing evidence has shown that physical activity improves quality of life and decreases the risk of recurrence in cancer survivors. Health disparities in cancer outcomes and survivorship persist among African American populations, often due to socioeconomic factors, and limited access to care. The ALAC program, designed to enhance physical activity and functioning, offers a promising approach to improving the quality of life in African American cancer survivors. Additionally, partnerships with community-based initiatives like Project CHURCH can potentially amplify these benefits by addressing unique community needs. Methods: A quantitative approach was utilized to assess the effectiveness of the ALAC program. Quantitative data was collected from a baseline and outcome survey, Godin Leisure-time Exercise Questionnaire measuring physical activity levels, 30-second sit-to-stand measuring physical functioning, and PROMIS Global Quality of Life survey measuring quality of life among ALAC participants. Participants include African American cancer survivors both enrolled in the ALAC program participating through implementation partners and those participating through the Project CHURCH partnership. Results: Analysis of quantitative data revealed significant improvements in physical activity levels and physical functioning among participants, regardless of their affiliation with Project CHURCH. 85% of African Americans completed the ALAC program, and 95% of African American participants completed the ALAC program through Project CHURCH partnership. Participants reported increased weekly exercise with an increase in their Godin Score of 12.5 units and increase of 38.8 units through our Project CHURCH partnerships. Also reported was enhanced physical functioning ability with an increase in their 30-second Sit-to-Stand score by 3.3 repetitions, and for Project CHURCH participants increase in their 30-second Sit-to-Stand score by 2.1 repetitions. Participants also noted a better overall quality of life, and 93% of participant would recommend the program to fellow cancer survivors. Conclusions: The ALAC program effectively improves physical activity and functioning among African American cancer survivors, thereby addressing some of the health disparities faced by this population. These findings suggest that integrating a curated physical activity program with community-based partnerships can be a powerful strategy in reducing health disparities and improving survivorship outcomes for African American cancer survivors.

Citation Format: Stacy Mitchell, Karen Basen-Engquist. Addressing health disparities: Success of African American cancer survivors in the 'Active Living After Cancer' program and the role of Project CHURCH Partnership [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B057.