Abstract B071: Mothers Informed Lactation Knowledge and Support (MILKS): Addressing Cancer Disparities through Community Action
Authors: Vernon Marlo , McIndoe Brianna , Chakraborty Ananya , Pollard Elinita 
Published: September 2024

Purpose: The Mothers Informed Lactation Knowledge and Support (MILKS) project aims to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration in Aiken County, South Carolina, specifically among Black/African American (B/AA) and Hispanic women. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death from 2012-2016 in this county. Methods: In collaboration with the Aiken Maternal Health Workgroup, a community health needs assessment was conducted. Listening sessions, health data review, and an environmental scan were conducted. A community report card was developed to disseminate and identify intervention needs. Areas assessed include: knowledge of cancer prevention, breastfeeding resources, lactation consultant/peer educators, breastfeeding friendly employers, and community support. Results: Aiken Co. has a total population of 174,150, 37% of the population lives in rural areas, 24.7% are non-Hispanic B/AA, 6.3% are Hispanic, and 12% of the population is uninsured. The breastfeeding initiation rate is 77.2 % (64.3%, B/AA and 86.7% Hispanic), compared to 78.5 percent for South Carolina and 83.2 percent for the United States. Breast cancer 5-year incidence rate all women is similar between Aiken (124) and South Carolina (129) /100,000, and breast cancer mortality rate is higher in Aiken (25) vs. SC (22) / 100,000 age-adjusted population. B/AA women have a significantly higher rate of breast cancer incidence (98.0) and mortality (37.8)/100,000 than state and national averages. There is an inappropriate number of lactation consultants and peer educators – only 1 is available to a limited population in-person, 2 are available to WIC recipients virtually. The WIC office also has two peer counselor positions, both of which were vacant at the time of research. Community listening sessions (n=4) provided insight into language and cultural barriers in accessing breastfeeding resources. Specifically, Hispanic women expressed difficulties in finding culturally relevant information and assistance. Participants highlighted the importance of education, advocating for improved workplace accommodations, such as designated lactation spaces and flexible scheduling, to enable breastfeeding mothers to manage the challenges of returning to work while continuing to breastfeed. No one reported previous knowledge of cancer prevention through breastfeeding. A lack of social norms for breastfeeding was also identified. Conclusions: Recommendations based on the report card include expanding peer education programs, enhancing workplace support, and ensuring cultural and linguistic inclusivity in breastfeeding education and support, and cancer prevention resources. The next steps include implementing additional peer education programs in the community, with a focus on cancer prevention through education, screening, and community support. This project provides a replicable blueprint for addressing cancer disparity through community engagement and collaboration.

Citation Format: Marlo Vernon, Brianna McIndoe, Ananya Chakraborty, Elinita Pollard. Mothers Informed Lactation Knowledge and Support (MILKS): Addressing Cancer Disparities through Community Action [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 B071.