Abstract PO-052: Teens for Screens: Implementation of a breast cancer awareness education program among high school students from minority communities in San Francisco
Authors: Velazquez Ana I. , Wong Leela , Dugatkin Tania , Bo Bianca Dal ,   SFCAN Breast Cancer Task Force, Fejerman Laura 
Published: December 2020

Introduction: Racial/ethnic and socioeconomic (SES) disparities in breast cancer (BC) risk and survival are well documented. In a study of the BC population in San Francisco (SF), we identified neighborhood and racial/ethnic differences in stage of diagnosis, molecular subtype, and survival. Women that resided in low SES areas of SF were diagnosed with more advanced BC stage and had lowest screening rates.

With the goal of narrowing observed disparities, the SF Cancer Initiative (SFCAN) created Teens for Screens (T4S). T4S is an education program aimed to educate and empower high school students (HS) to promote BC screening and healthy behaviors in their families and communities. Methods: T4S was developed using a continuous- stakeholder-engagement approach, including HS partners and the SFCAN BC task force. The program was advertised via dissemination of flyers among public schools of SF. Applicants were selected to represent a diverse group of HS based on self- reported race/ethnicity, different public high schools, and teens who reside within neighborhoods with lowest screening rates. Selection was limited to 10th and 11th graders and priority was given to those with a close experience with BC. During phase 1 (P1), participants attended 4 weekly half-day educational sessions focused on: introduction to BC, risk factors, health disparities, and community resources. P1 sessions integrated the participation of healthcare professionals, survivors, and community partners, as well as interactive exercises on communication and leadership skills. Participants were provided with an online educational video created by HS and the SFCAN website as resources for dissemination during phase 2 (P2).

Results: After 3-weeks of advertisement, T4S received 76 applications. We accepted 39 sophomore and junior HS from 10 different SF public high schools based on the program’s selection criteria. Among 39 recruited HS, 64% self-identified as Asian/Asian American, 20% Hispanic/Latino, 8% African American, and 5% non- Hispanic White. The majority of participants were female (74%), identified as bilingual (64%; 15% trilingual), and resided in neighborhoods of northeastern and southern SF, consistent with areas of lowest BC screening rates. Thirty-five (90%) participants completed P1 of the pilot. Most participants were satisfied or very satisfied with T4S (95.5%). Ninety two percent of HS reported their understanding of BC increased, and 83% expressed confidence in their ability to discuss the importance of BC screening with others. Preliminary results of P2, show that 83% of HS remain engaged reporting their dissemination efforts. Conclusions: Implementing a BC educational program for HS from diverse targeted communities is feasible and acceptable. The T4S program increased HS knowledge on BC and empowered them to disseminate their knowledge to peers and other community members. Our ongoing efforts during P2 of this pilot include evaluating the dissemination, adaptation, and impact of T4S.

Citation Format: Ana I. Velazquez, Leela Wong, Tania Dugatkin, Bianca Dal Bo, SFCAN Breast Cancer Task Force, Laura Fejerman. Teens for Screens: Implementation of a breast cancer awareness education program among high school students from minority communities in San Francisco [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Conference: Thirteenth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2020 Oct 2-4. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(12 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-052.