Abstract 6197: Examining the impact of food cost and accessibility on nutrition insecurity and food choice among postmenopausal African American breast and endometrial cancer survivors
Authors: Amirah Burton, Zakirah Abdul-Hameed, Mohamed Mubasher, Brian Rivers, Desiree Rivers
Journal: Cancer Research (2025)

Abstract Background/Significance- Scientific literature continues to demonstrate the beneficial impact of lifestyle modifications, such as diet, on overall health and in reducing recurrence of breast and endometrial cancers. However, more research is needed to identify and understand how certain structural and social barriers impede cancer survivors’ ability to maintain a healthy diet. The purpose of this study is to examine 1) the prevalence of nutrition insecurity and 2) how food cost and accessibility influence food choices and nutrition security status among low-income postmenopausal African American breast and endometrial cancer survivors. This sub-study is part of a larger study funded by the ACS Research Scholar grant. Methods- Sixteen postmenopausal (50+ years of age) African American women diagnosed with breast or endometrial cancer before 2020 completed cross-sectional surveys assessing nutrition security status and healthfulness choice (ability to meet dietary needs by having control over food options), food accessibility (Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale), and food expenditures. Nutrition security and healthfulness choice assessment tools were from the Center for Nutrition and Health Impact. Descriptive statistics and univariate analyses were performed to determine nutrition security status, healthfulness choice, average walking distance to food retailers, and food expenditures. Results- Forty-two percent of participants were nutrition insecure, while 5.3% scored low for household healthfulness choice. Most participants are in closer walking distance to fast food restaurants compared to a supermarket or fruit/vegetable market and purchase most of their food at a supermarket (75%), supercenter (25.8%), or small grocery store (6.3%). Sixty-two percent of participants rated the price of fresh fruits and vegetables as somewhat expensive, 12.5% not expensive, 18.8% very expensive, and 6.3% very inexpensive. Conclusion- Although many participants experience nutrition insecurity, few participants feel constrained in their ability to meet their dietary healthfulness needs and control their food options. Despite living in closer proximity to fast food restaurants, participants spend more money on food at supermarkets or supercenters. Additional studies are needed to further explore the multi-level factors impacting nutritious food access, diet quality, and health status of African American breast and endometrial cancer survivors. Citation Format: Amirah Burton, Zakirah Abdul-Hameed, Mohamed Mubasher, Brian Rivers, Desiree Rivers. Examining the impact of food cost and accessibility on nutrition insecurity and food choice among postmenopausal African American breast and endometrial cancer survivors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2025; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2025 Apr 25-30; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2025;85(8_Suppl_1):Abstract nr 6197.