Abstract PO-033: Qualitative analysis of the lifestyle programming preferences of Mexican-origin breast cancer survivors and cancer caregivers living on the U.S./Mexico border
Authors: Werts Samantha J. , Lopez-Pentecost Melissa , Skiba Meghan , Vogel Rosi , Ingram Maia , Enriquez Tatiana , Garcia Lizzie , Thomson Cynthia 
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Hispanics face unique challenges after cancer treatment, including less cancer survivorship knowledge, lower quality of life, higher comorbid conditions, and socioeconomic disadvantages. Using a community-based participatory approach, we engaged in a qualitative exploration of lifestyle-related behaviors and behavior modifiers of Mexican-origin breast cancer survivors and their caregivers living in a border community to inform the development and implementation of an evidence-based lifestyle intervention to reduce cancer burden and metabolic co-morbidities. Methods: The study was conducted through a community-academic partnership (La Vida Plena) between the University of Arizona and Mariposa Community Health Center located on the Arizona/Mexico border. Eligibility criteria for cancer survivors included 1) self-identification as Hispanic and 2) cancer diagnosis in the previous 15 years. For cancer caregivers, eligibility criteria included 1) self-identification as a caregiver for an individual with cancer. Participants completed a questionnaire querying diet and physical activity behaviors pre- and post-cancer diagnosis. Semi-structured interviews included ten open-ended questions related to the impact of cancer on lifestyle, perceptions of lifestyle and health after cancer, and intervention content/delivery. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using a deductive thematic approach grounded by the Cancer Survivorship Care Quality Framework. Results: A total of 23 participants were recruited with 19 (n=12 cancer survivors, n=7 caregivers) completing the study. Mean age was 55.6 ± 12.5 years and 41.1 ± 15.3 years for cancer survivors and caregivers, respectively. All survivors experience at least one comorbid condition with 58% experiencing 4 or more comorbid conditions. Key themes identified among cancer survivors included: 1) family as an influence on lifestyle behaviors; 2) perception of the Mexican diet as unhealthy; 3) financial barriers for a healthy lifestyle; 4) the role and challenges of physical activity after cancer treatment; 5) impact of physical effects of treatment on lifestyle behaviors; and 6) challenges to obtaining accurate health-related information. Key themes among caregivers included: 1) effects of the cancer experience on caregiver's lifestyle behaviors and 2) providing support to the survivor. Important considerations in adapting and developing lifestyle programming for border-dwelling cancer survivors include 1) access to content experts, 2) support with the management of physical symptoms, 3) inclusion of written materials, 4) incorporation of family in the program, and 5) inclusion of cancer survivor support groups. Conclusion: This study identified key concepts and themes important for the adaptation, development, and implementation of an evidence-based intervention supporting lifestyle behavior change to reduce the burden of cancer and comorbidities among cancer survivors and their caregivers living along the U.S./Mexico border.

Citation Format: Samantha J. Werts, Melissa Lopez-Pentecost, Meghan Skiba, Rosi Vogel, Maia Ingram, Tatiana Enriquez, Lizzie Garcia, Cynthia Thomson. Qualitative analysis of the lifestyle programming preferences of Mexican-origin breast cancer survivors and cancer caregivers living on the U.S./Mexico border [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Conference: 14th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2021 Oct 6-8. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-033.