Abstract 985: CARIB-CARES: the first exploratory research center addressing the intersection of climate and the cancer control continuum
Authors: Ana P. Ortiz, Noreen Michael, Nancy R. Cardona-Cordero, Marievelisse Soto-Salgado, Polaris N. Torres, LaVerne E. Ragster, Leticia Nogueira, Frank E. Muller-Karger, Zack Guido, Tracy E. Crane, Pablo Méndez-Lázaro
Journal: Cancer Research (2025)

Background: Climate change is a threat to human health, impacting the cancer control continuum. Frequent extreme weather events in the US Caribbean (Puerto Rico [PR] and US Virgin Islands [USVI]) have harmed human health and socioecological ecosystems and have disrupted cancer prevention and control efforts. This has unveiled the vulnerabilities of critical infrastructure systems, which, when disrupted, cause catastrophic failures with fatal and long-lasting consequences. Addressing these challenges is crucial for promoting resilient and healthy island communities, mitigating cancer risk, and sustaining cancer control infrastructure. Methods: The Caribbean Climate Change, Cancer, and Health Disparities Research Center (CARIB-CARES) is a regional initiative aimed at tackling these critical issues, with the participation of a multidisciplinary team of experts in environmental health, climate, oceanography, and cancer research. A partnership between the University of PR Comprehensive Cancer Center, the University of PR-Medical Sciences Campus, and the University of the Virgin Islands together with other institutions in the continental US, government agencies, health clinics, and non-governmental organizations, CARIB-CARES seeks to address the impact of multi-hazard climate-related stressors on the cancer control continuum and increase research and adaptation capacity in the field. Results: Funded in September 2024, CARIB-CARES has initiated capacity-building initiatives, delivering webinars on climate change, health, and the cancer control continuum to over 100 community members, health professionals, and students across PR, USVI, and mainland US. Student engagement and mentorship has initiated, supporting more than 15 students from various academic backgrounds (public health, nursing, and biology) and different career levels (undergrad, grad, and post-doc) and from underrepresented populations as mentees, providing them with research opportunities on the intersection of climate change and cancer. Research projects are also underway, evaluating environmental disparities and cancer risk across the US Caribbean and climate change awareness among oncology health professionals. Community partnerships are being reinforced, developing a Community Coalition of Partners that includes academic institutions, nonprofits, and government agencies, leading to actionable collaborations in addressing cancer-related disparities within the context of climate change. Conclusion: Through its comprehensive approach, CARIB-CARES has begun building a robust framework to advance research, strengthen governance, and build equitable adaptation to effectively address the challenges of climate change and cancer control across vulnerable and underserved small islands in the Caribbean. Acknowledgments: Funding NIH Award: 1P20CA294096-01. Citation Format: Ana P. Ortiz, Noreen Michael, Nancy R. Cardona-Cordero, Marievelisse Soto-Salgado, Polaris N. Torres, LaVerne E. Ragster, Leticia Nogueira, Frank E. Muller-Karger, Zack Guido, Tracy E. Crane, Pablo Méndez-Lázaro. CARIB-CARES: the first exploratory research center addressing the intersection of climate and the cancer control continuum [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 985.