Abstract 2162: Framework and pilot testing for the recruitment of a U.S.-based prospective cohort study of 100,000 Black women
Authors: Patel Alpa V. , Teras Lauren R. , Kirkland Elizabeth , McCrary Jeshondria , Vins Holly , Bontemps-Jones Jeuneviette E. , Larbi Eunice , Hall Maddison L. , Briggs Peter J. , Dudas Daniela M. , Lichtman Cari , McCullough Lauren E. 
Published: March 2024

Background: As of 2020, 46.9 million people in the United States (14.2% of the total population) identify as Black or African American. Collectively, Black Americans have the highest cancer death rate and shortest survival of any racial or ethnic group in the U.S. The drivers of cancer and other health conditions among Black women are likely multi-level, complex, and include contributions from environmental, behavioral, community, and system-level factors. Inadequate representation in research has limited the understanding of drivers of disparate outcomes, which, in turn, has hindered our ability to identify successful, culturally appropriate strategies for intervention.

Approach: The American Cancer Society is establishing a cohort of at least 100,000 Black women to better understand cancer risk and outcomes in this population. The cohort will include two recruitment arms: (1) an “at risk” group of 85,000 participants between the ages of 25-55 years old with no prior cancer history and (2) a “survivorship” group of 15,000 participants previously diagnosed with breast, colorectal, or endometrial cancers. Pilot enrollment of the “at risk” group launched in October 2023 and will focus on understanding the disproportionate burden of early-onset cancer among Black women. For the “survivorship” group, pilot enrollment will launch in late 2024. The cancers of focus account for 95% of the absolute cancer mortality rate difference for Black vs. White women and offer the greatest opportunity for learning how to reduce cancer mortality disparities. Enrollment will focus on Black women who reside in the District of Columbia or one of 20 U.S. states representing &gt;90% of the U.S. Black population.

Results: Approximately 200 women were successfully consented into the cohort between October-November 2023. Study activities are conducted through an online portal optimized for mobile use. Through the portal, participants confirmed eligibility by completing an electronic survey, and reviewing and signing the informed consent. Upon consent, participants will complete a baseline survey and be sent follow-up surveys twice per year for at least 30 years. These surveys will track exposures, health outcomes, and participants’ lived experiences.

Conclusions: Pilot work in 2023 demonstrated feasibility to engage Black women into a prospective cohort study. Based on the early feasibility success, full launch of enrollment is planned for May 2024.

Citation Format: Alpa V. Patel, Lauren R. Teras, Elizabeth Kirkland, Jeshondria McCrary, Holly Vins, Jeuneviette E. Bontemps-Jones, Eunice Larbi, Maddison L. Hall, Peter J. Briggs, Daniela M. Dudas, Cari Lichtman, Lauren E. McCullough. Framework and pilot testing for the recruitment of a U.S.-based prospective cohort study of 100,000 Black women [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 2162.