Racialized inequities in live birth after cancer: A population-based study of 63,000 female adolescents and young adults with cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Fertility after cancer is a top concern for adolescents and young adults with cancer (AYAs) (15-39 years old at diagnosis). The authors characterized live births after cancer by race and ethnicity ("race/ethnicity") in a population-based sample of female AYAs. METHODS: This study used Texas Cancer Registry data linked to birth certificates (1995-2016) to estimate cumulative incidence of live birth, based on first live birth after cancer, and compared differences by race/ethnicity. Proportional subdistribution hazards models were used to estimate associations between race/ethnicity and live birth, adjusted for diagnosis age, cancer type, stage, year, and prior live birth, overall and for each cancer type. RESULTS: Among 65,804 AYAs, 10-year cumulative incidence of live birth was lower among non-Hispanic Black AYAs than other racial/ethnic groups: 10.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 9.4-10.9) compared to 15.9% (95% CI, 14.1-17.9) among Asian or Pacific Islander, 14.7% (95% CI, 14.2-15.3) among Hispanic, and 15.2% (95% CI, 14.8-15.6) among non-Hispanic White AYAs (p < .01). In the adjusted overall model, Black AYAs were less likely to have a live birth after cancer than all other groups. In adjusted models for each cancer type, live birth was significantly less likely for Black AYAs with gynecologic cancers or lymphomas (compared to White AYAs) or thyroid cancers (compared to Hispanic AYAs). CONCLUSION: Black AYAs are less likely than AYAs of other races/ethnicities to have a live birth after cancer, in contrast to patterns of live birth in the general population. Research and action to promote childbearing equity after cancer are imperative.

Effect of an HPV Vaccination Multi-Level, Multi-Component Program on HPV Vaccination Initiation and Completion in a Pediatric Clinic Network.

Despite clear evidence of the public health benefits of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in preventing HPV-related cancers and genital warts, underutilization of HPV vaccination in the United States persists. Interventions targeting multi-level determinants of vaccination behavior are crucial for improving HPV vaccination rates. The study's purpose was to implement and evaluate the adapted Adolescent Vaccination Program (AVP), a clinic-based, multi-level, multi-component intervention aimed at increasing HPV vaccine initiation and completion rates in a five-clinic pediatric network in Bexar County, Texas. The adaptation process was guided by established frameworks and involved formative work with clinic stakeholders. The study utilized a quasi-experimental single group pre- and post- study design, with an external comparison data using the National Immunization Survey-Teen (NIS-Teen) datasets for the same time period to examine the AVP's effect on HPV vaccination initiation and completion. A series of interrupted time series analyses (ITSA) compared the clinic system patient outcomes (HPV vaccination initiation and completion rates) in the post-intervention to the general adolescent population (NIS-Teen). Of the 6438 patients (11-17 years) with clinic visits during the 3-year study period, HPV vaccination initiation rates increased from 64.7% to 80.2% (p < 0.05) and completion rates increased from 43.2% to 60.2% (p < 0.05). The AVP was effective across various demographic and economic subgroups, demonstrating its generalizability. ITSA findings indicated the AVP improved HPV vaccination initiation and completion rates in clinic settings and that AVP strategies facilitated resilience during the pandemic. The minimal adaptation required for implementation in a new clinic system underscores its feasibility and potential for widespread adoption.

Birth Defects in Offspring of Adolescent and Young Adults with a History of Cancer: A Population-Based Study of 27,000 Women.

BACKGROUND: We examined birth defects in offspring of adolescent and young adult (AYA) women with a history of cancer (age 15-39 years at diagnosis). METHODS: We identified AYA women diagnosed with cancer between January 1, 1999, and December 31, 2015 using population-based data from the Texas Cancer Registry; data were linked with live birth and fetal death certificates through December 31, 2016 to identify singleton births to AYA women after diagnosis. Birth defects in offspring through age 12 months were ascertained from the Texas Birth Defects Registry. We estimated risk of birth defects in offspring of AYA women and women without cancer (matched 3:1 by maternal race/ethnicity, maternal age, and offspring year of birth) and compared risk using log binomial regression models. RESULTS: There were 6,882 singleton births to AYA women after diagnosis. Common cancer types were thyroid (28.9%), lymphoma (12.5%), and breast (10.7%). Risk of any birth defect was higher in offspring of AYA women (6.0%) compared with offspring of women without cancer [n = 20,646; 4.8%; risk ratio (RR) 1.24; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.11-1.38]. Risk of eye or ear (RR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.03-1.90), heart and circulatory (RR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.09-1.60), genitourinary (RR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.12-1.69), and musculoskeletal (RR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.13-1.66) defects was also higher. CONCLUSIONS: Risk of birth defects was elevated in liveborn and stillborn offspring of AYA women. IMPACT: Although birth defects are rare, AYA women making decisions about pregnancy and prenatal care should receive appropriate counseling and surveillance.

Parents' stigmatizing beliefs about the HPV vaccine and their association with information seeking behavior and vaccination communication behaviors.

Parents' stigmatizing beliefs about the HPV vaccine, such as beliefs that it promotes adolescent sexual activity, constitute a notable barrier to vaccine uptake. The purpose of this study is to describe the associations between parents' stigmatizing beliefs about the HPV vaccine, psychosocial antecedents to vaccination, and parents' intentions to vaccinate their children. Parents of vaccine-eligible children (n = 512) were surveyed in a large urban clinical network. Results indicate that two stigmatizing beliefs were significantly associated with self-efficacy in talking with a doctor about the HPV vaccine. Believing that the vaccine would make a child more likely to have sex was associated with citing social media as a source of information about the vaccine. Other stigmatizing beliefs were either associated with citing healthcare professionals as sources of information about the vaccine, or they were not significantly associated with any information source. This finding suggests that stigmatizing beliefs might discourage parents from seeking out information about the vaccine. This study is significant because it further highlights the importance of doctor recommendations to all patients at recommended ages; doctor visits may represent one of the few opportunities to normalize HPV vaccination and address parents' stigmatizing beliefs about the HPV vaccine.

Adverse birth outcomes of adolescent and young adult women diagnosed with cancer during pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: We examined adverse birth outcomes among adolescent and young adult women diagnosed with cancer (AYA women, ages 15-39 years) during pregnancy. METHODS: We linked data from the Texas Cancer Registry, vital records, and Texas Birth Defects Registry to identify all singleton births to AYA women diagnosed during pregnancy from January 1999 to December 2016. We compared prevalence of adverse live birth outcomes between AYA women and women without cancer (matched 1:4 on age, race and ethnicity, and year). Among AYA women, we used log-binomial regression to identify factors associated with these outcomes. Statistical tests were 2-sided. RESULTS: AYA women had 1271 singleton live births and 20 stillbirths. AYA women (n = 1291) were 33.3% Hispanic and 9.8% non-Hispanic Black and most commonly had breast (22.5%), thyroid (19.8%), and gynecologic (13.3%) cancers. Among live births, AYA women had a higher prevalence of low birth weight offspring (30.1% vs 9.0%), very preterm (5.7% vs 1.2%), and preterm birth (25.1% vs 7.2%); cesarean delivery (44.3% vs 35.2%); and low Apgar score (2.7% vs 1.5%), compared with women without cancer (n = 5084) (all P < .05). Prevalence of any birth defect by age 12 months did not statistically differ (5.2% vs 4.7%; P = .48), but live births to AYA women more often had heart and circulatory system defects (2.2% vs 1.3%; P = .01). In adjusted models, cancer type and chemotherapy were associated with adverse live birth outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: AYA women diagnosed during pregnancy have higher prevalence of adverse birth outcomes and face difficult decisions in balancing treatment risks and benefits.

Mentoring strategies to support diversity in research-focused junior faculty: A scoping review.

Objective: The purpose of this scoping review is two-fold: to assess the literature that quantitatively measures outcomes of mentorship programs designed to support research-focused junior faculty and to identify mentoring strategies that promote diversity within academic medicine mentoring programs. Methods: Studies were identified by searching Medline using MESH terms for mentoring and academic medicine. Eligibility criteria included studies focused on junior faculty in research-focused positions, receiving mentorship, in an academic medical center in the USA, with outcomes collected to measure career success (career trajectory, career satisfaction, quality of life, research productivity, leadership positions). Data were abstracted using a standardized data collection form, and best practices were summarized. Results: Search terms resulted in 1,842 articles for title and abstract review, with 27 manuscripts meeting inclusion criteria. Two studies focused specifically on women, and four studies focused on junior faculty from racial/ethnic backgrounds underrepresented in medicine. From the initial search, few studies were designed to specifically increase diversity or capture outcomes relevant to promotion within academic medicine. Of those which did, most studies captured the impact on research productivity and career satisfaction. Traditional one-on-one mentorship, structured peer mentorship facilitated by a senior mentor, and peer mentorship in combination with one-on-one mentorship were found to be effective strategies to facilitate research productivity. Conclusion: Efforts are needed at the mentee, mentor, and institutional level to provide mentorship to diverse junior faculty on research competencies and career trajectory, create a sense of belonging, and connect junior faculty with institutional resources to support career success.

Feasibility, impact, and priority of key strategies to enhance diverse and inclusive training programs in clinical and translational research: A mixed methods study.

Background: Enhancing diversity in the scientific workforce is a long-standing issue. This study uses mixed methods to understand the feasibility, impact, and priority of six key strategies to promote diverse and inclusive training and contextualize the six key strategies across Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSAs) Program Institutions. Methods: Four breakout sessions were held at the NCATS 2020 CTSA Program annual meeting focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. This paper focuses on the breakout session for Enhancing DEI in Translational Science Training Programs. Data were analyzed using a mixed methods convergent approach. The quantitative strand includes the online polling results. The qualitative strand includes the breakout session and the chat box in response to the training presentation. Results: Across feasibility, impact, and priority questions, prioritizing representation ranked number 1. Building partnerships ranked number 2 in feasibility and priority, while making it personal ranked number 2 for impact. Across each strategy, rankings supported the qualitative data findings in feasibility through shared experiences, impact in the ability to increase DEI, and priority rankings in comparison to the other strategies. No divergence was found across quantitative and qualitative data findings. Conclusion: Findings provide robust support for prioritizing representation as a number one strategy to focus on in training programs. Specifically, this strategy can be operationalized through integration of community representation, diversity advocates, and adopting a holistic approach to recruiting a diverse cadre of scholars into translational science training programs at the national level across CTSAs.

Polypharmacy and prescription medication use in a population-based sample of adolescent and young adult cancer survivors.

PURPOSE: We examined prescription medication use and identified correlates of polypharmacy-taking multiple medications-in adolescent and young adult cancer survivors (AYAs), who experience early-onset chronic conditions. METHODS: Our cross-sectional study pooled data (2008-2017) from the national Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. We estimated prevalence of polypharmacy (≥ 5 unique prescription medications over an approximate 1-year period) in AYAs (age 18-39 years with a history of cancer) and age- and sex-matched controls, overall and by sociodemographics, clinical factors, and health indicators. We compared survivors' and controls' medication use across therapeutic classes. To identify correlates of polypharmacy among AYAs, we included factors with p < 0.20 in bivariable analysis in a multivariable logistic regression model. RESULTS: AYAs (n = 601) had a higher prevalence of polypharmacy than controls (n = 2,402), overall (31.5% vs. 15.9%, p < .01) and by all sociodemographics, clinical factors, and health indicators. A majority of AYAs with multiple chronic conditions (58.8%, 95% CI 47.3-70.4) or disability (61.3%, 95% CI 52.6-70.0) had polypharmacy. Patterns of AYAs' medication use across therapeutic classes were consistent with their chronic conditions. Nearly one-third used opioid/narcotic analgesics (32.2% vs. 13.7% of controls, p < 0.01). Among AYAs, multiple chronic conditions (aOR 4.68, 95% CI 2.23-9.83) and disability (aOR 3.70, 95% CI 2.23-6.14) were correlated with polypharmacy. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic conditions and disabilities, including aftereffects of cancer treatment, may drive polypharmacy in AYAs. Future research should examine adverse outcomes of polypharmacy and opioid/narcotic use in AYAs. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: AYAs with chronic conditions or disabilities should be monitored for polypharmacy.

Polypharmacy and medication fill nonadherence in a population-based sample of adolescent and young adult cancer survivors, 2008-2017.

PURPOSE: We examined the association between polypharmacy-an established risk factor for nonadherence in the elderly-and medication fill nonadherence in a large national sample of adolescent and young adult cancer survivors (AYAs) in the USA. METHODS: We pooled data (2008-2017) from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. We defined polypharmacy as ≥ 3 unique medications prescribed, based on self-report and pharmacy data, and medication fill nonadherence as self-reported delay or inability to obtain a necessary medication. We estimated prevalence of medication fill nonadherence among AYAs (age 18-39 years with a cancer history). We used logistic regression to estimate the association between (1) polypharmacy and medication fill nonadherence in AYAs, and (2) total number of medications prescribed and medication fill nonadherence, controlling for sex, number of chronic conditions, disability, and survey year. RESULTS: AYAs (n = 598) were predominantly female (76.2%), age 30-39 years (64.9%), and non-Hispanic White (72.1%). Nearly half were poor (19.0%) or near-poor/low income (21.6%). One in ten AYAs reported medication fill nonadherence (9.75%). Of these, more than 70% cited cost-related barriers as the reason. AYAs with polypharmacy had 2.49 times higher odds of medication fill nonadherence (95%CI 1.11-5.59), compared to those without polypharmacy. Odds of medication fill nonadherence increased by 16% with each additional medication prescribed (AOR 1.16, 95% CI 1.07-1.25). CONCLUSIONS: Polypharmacy may be an important risk factor for medication fill nonadherence in AYAs in the USA. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Improving AYAs' medication adherence requires eliminating cost-related barriers, particularly for those with polypharmacy.

Impacts of the Early COVID-19 Pandemic Among a National Sample of Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors in the United States.

Purpose: Adolescent and young adult cancer survivors (AYAs) experience early-onset chronic conditions and disrupted psychosocial development. We report prevalence of disruptions in care delivery and social support during the early wave of the pandemic in a national sample of AYAs in the United States. Materials and Methods: We used data from the population-based National Health Interview Survey (NHIS; July-December 2020), which allows for nationally representative estimates, and included questions related to COVID-19. We identified 61 AYAs diagnosed with cancer between ages 15 and 39 years and not currently receiving cancer treatment and 244 age- and sex-matched controls. We compared the proportion of AYAs and controls reporting delayed care due to the pandemic, not getting needed care due to the pandemic, and changes in social and emotional support. Results: AYAs were predominantly non-Hispanic White (61.3%) and female (58.8%), with a median age at diagnosis of 28 years (interquartile range [IQR] 21-31 years). Fewer AYAs were employed (52.1% vs. 71.5%), and more lived in poverty (32.0% vs. 12.4%) and felt depressed daily (9.9% vs. 3.0%, all p < 0.05). The proportion of AYAs reporting delayed care (39.8% vs. 15.3%) and not getting needed care (31.7% vs. 10.4%) due to the pandemic was more than double that of controls (both p < 0.01). One in five AYAs experienced less social and emotional support compared to the prior year, although not significantly different from controls (21.6% vs. 12.4%, p = 0.10). Conclusions: The pandemic disrupted AYAs' care and exacerbated their psychosocial challenges. Providers and health systems should prioritize reconnecting AYAs to affordable and comprehensive care.

Advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within clinical and translational science training programs: A qualitative content analysis of the training breakout session at the national CTSA program meeting.

Background: Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in clinical and translational science (CTS) are paramount to driving innovation and increasing health equity. One important area for improving diversity is among trainees in CTS programs. This paper reports on findings from a special session at the November 2020 Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) national program meeting that focused on advancing diversity and inclusion within CTS training programs. Methods: Using qualitative content analysis, we identified approaches brought forth to increase DEI in KL2 career development and other training programs aimed at early-stage CTS investigators, beyond the six strategies put forth to guide the breakout session (prioritizing representation, building partnerships, making it personal, designing program structure, improving through feedback, and winning endorsement). We used an inductive qualitative content analysis approach to identify themes from a transcript of the panel of KL2 program leaders centered on DEI in training programs. Results: We identified four themes for advancing DEI within CTS training programs: 1) institutional buy-in; 2) proactive recruitment efforts; 3) an equitable application process; and 4) high-quality, diverse mentorship. Conclusion: Implementing these strategies in CTS and other training programs will be an important step for advancing DEI. However, processes need to be established to evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of these strategies through continuous quality improvement, a key component of the CTSA program. Training programs within the CTSA are well-positioned to be leaders in this critical effort to increase the diversity of the scientific workforce.

Stillbirth After Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer: A Population-Based Study.

BACKGROUND: Gonadotoxic effects of cancer treatment may increase risk of adverse birth outcomes in adolescent and young adult (AYA, aged 15-39 years) women diagnosed with cancer. We estimated risk of stillbirth (fetal death of gestational age ≥20 weeks or weighing ≥350 grams) in a population-based sample of AYA women. METHODS: AYA women diagnosed with cancer between January 1, 1995, and December 31, 2015, were identified using the Texas Cancer Registry and linked to live birth and fetal death certificates through December 31, 2016. Among AYA women, cumulative incidence of stillbirth was estimated by gestational age, and Poisson regression models identified factors associated with stillbirth. Standardized fetal mortality ratios (SMR) compared the observed fetal mortality rate in AYA women with the expected fetal mortality rate in the general population. RESULTS: A total of 11 628 live births and 68 stillbirths occurred to 8402 AYA women after diagnosis. Cumulative incidence of stillbirth in AYA women was 0.70% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.51% to 0.96%) at 40 weeks of gestation. Risk of stillbirth was higher among Hispanic (risk ratio [RR] = 2.64, 95% CI = 1.29 to 5.41) and non-Hispanic Black (RR = 4.13, 95% CI = 1.68 to 10.16) women compared with non-Hispanic White women; there was no association with receipt of chemotherapy or time since diagnosis. Age- and race and ethnicity-adjusted fetal mortality rate in AYA women was similar to the general population (SMR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.77 to 1.26). CONCLUSIONS: AYA women may be counseled that overall risk of stillbirth is low, and for most, cancer does not appear to confer additional risk.

"Every day is just kind of weighing my options." Perspectives of young adult cancer survivors dealing with the uncertainty of the COVID-19 global pandemic.

PURPOSE: We explored adolescent and young adult cancer survivor (AYA) experiences with COVID-19 to understand the impact of living through a pandemic, unmet needs, and coping strategies. METHODS: AYAs were recruited nationally, completed an online survey, and attended one of six online focus groups. We used qualitative content analysis to analyze focus group data. RESULTS: Thirty-nine AYAs completed the survey, and 24 also participated in the focus groups. In the survey, AYAs responded that COVID-19 increased anxiety about their health or their family's health, feelings of isolation, and worries about job security. Overarching focus group themes included AYA behavioral responses to the pandemic similar to their peers, the added burden of cancer, and unexpected advantages of a cancer history. When discussing the added burden of cancer, subthemes included difficulties and delays in medical care, mental health stressors, and compounding uncertainty. Unexpected advantages of a cancer history included relying on coping strategies developed during active treatment and resiliency from practicing social distancing during treatment. CONCLUSIONS: AYAs have struggled in the early pandemic in ways similar to their peers but with compounding uncertainty regarding their unknown risk due to cancer history. Healthcare providers and systems can better support AYAs by providing additional psychosocial supports, developing strategies to triage good candidates for telehealth, and providing information about cancer survivor-specific risks for COVID-19. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Our findings indicate a need for psychosocial supports that address managing anxiety and uncertainty. AYAs may be able to draw on their cancer experiences to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.

Patients' Reactions to Being Offered Financial Incentives to Increase Colorectal Screening: A Qualitative Analysis.

PURPOSE: To explore financial incentives as an intervention to improve colorectal cancer screening (CRCS) adherence among traditionally disadvantaged patients who have never been screened or are overdue for screening. APPROACH: We used qualitative methods to describe patients' attitudes toward the offer of incentives, plans for future screening, and additional barriers and facilitators to CRCS. SETTING: Kaiser Permanente Washington (KPWA). PARTICIPANTS: KPWA patients who were due or overdue for CRCS. METHOD: We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with 37 patients who were randomized to 1 of 2 incentives (guaranteed $10 or a lottery for $50) to complete CRCS. Interview transcripts were analyzed using a qualitative content approach. RESULTS: Patients generally had positive attitudes toward both types of incentives, however, half did not recall the incentive offer at the time of the interview. Among those who recalled the offer, 95% were screened compared to only 25% among those who did not remember the offer. Most screeners stated that staying healthy was their primary motivator for screening, but many suggested that the incentive helped them prioritize and complete screening. CONCLUSIONS: Incentives to complete CRCS may help motivate patients who would like to screen but have previously procrastinated. Future studies should ensure that the incentive offer is noticeable and shorten the deadline for completion of FIT screening.

Operationalizing patient-centered cancer care: A systematic review and synthesis of the qualitative literature on cancer patients' needs, values, and preferences.

OBJECTIVE: Efficiently addressing patient priorities and concerns remains a challenge in oncology. Systematic operationalization of patient-centered care (PCC) can support improved assessment and practice of PCC in this unique care setting. This review aimed to synthesize the qualitative empirical literature exploring the National Academy of Medicine (NAM)'s PCC constructs of values, needs, and preferences among patients' during their cancer treatment experiences. METHODS: A systematic review of qualitative studies published between 2002 and 2018 addressing adult patient values, needs, and preferences during cancer treatment was conducted. Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and SCOPUS databases were searched on September 10, 2018. Methodological rigor was assessed using a modified version of the Evaluation Tool for Qualitative Studies. Included study findings were analyzed using line-by-line coding; and the emergent themes were compared to the National Academy of Medicine (NAM)'s PCC dimensions. RESULTS: Twenty-nine primary studies were included in the synthesis. Descriptive themes for values (autonomy, being involved, family, hope, normality, and sincerity), needs (care coordination, information, privacy, support of physical well-being, emotional support (family/friends, peer, provider), and self-support), and preferences (care coordination, decision-making, information delivery, source of social support, and treatment) were identified. "Cancer care context" emerged as an important domain in which these constructs are operationalized. This thematic framework outlines PCC attributes that oncology care stakeholders can evaluate to improve patient experiences. CONCLUSIONS: These findings build on previous PCC research and may contribute to the systematic assessment of patient priorities and the improvement of oncology care quality from the patient perspective.

Implications for patient-provider communication and health self-efficacy among cancer survivors with multiple chronic conditions: results from the Health Information National Trends Survey.

PURPOSE: Cancer survivors with multiple chronic conditions experience significant challenges managing their health. The six core functions of patient-centered communication (PCC)-fostering healing relationships, exchanging information, responding to emotions, managing uncertainty, making decisions, and enabling patient self-management-represent a central component to facilitating a survivor's confidence to manage their health that has not been investigated in cancer survivors with multiple chronic conditions. METHOD: Nationally representative data across two iterations of the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) were merged with combined replicate weights using the jackknife replication method. Adjusted linear regression examined the association between PCC and health self-efficacy in a sample of breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer survivors and by multiple chronic conditions. RESULTS: 53.9% reported that providers did not always respond to their emotions and 48.9% reported that they could not always rely on their providers to help them manage uncertainty. In the adjusted linear regression models, there was a significant positive association between PCC and health self-efficacy (ß = 0.2, p = 0.01) for the entire sample. However, the association between PCC and health self-efficacy was attenuated in cancer survivors with multiple chronic conditions (ß = 0.1, p = 0.53). CONCLUSION: PCC alone is not enough to improve a cancer survivor's confidence in their ability to manage their health in the presence of multiple chronic conditions. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Cancer survivors with multiple chronic conditions need ongoing support, in addition to PCC, that render them prepared to manage their health after cancer.

Colorectal cancer screening: Understanding the health literacy needs of hispanic rural residents.

PURPOSE: Hispanics residing in rural areas are among those who are least likely to be screened for colorectal cancer (CRC) and more likely to present with late stage CRC than other racial or ethnic groups. We conducted a pilot study utilizing a mixed-method approach to explore perceptions of CRC and CRC screening among Hispanic adults residing in South Texas rural communities and to identify health literacy needs associated with CRC screening uptake. METHODS: A convenience sample of 58 participants, aged 35-65, were recruited to complete questionnaires and participate in focus groups, ranging in size from 4 to 13 participants. Six focus groups were conducted across 3 adjacent rural counties. A semi-structured moderator's guide was designed to elicit discussion about participants' experiences, knowledge, and perceptions of CRC and CRC screening. FINDINGS: Lack of knowledge of CRC and CRC screening as cancer prevention was a common theme across focus groups. A majority, 59%, reported never been screened. Thirty-nine percent reported they had been screened for colon cancer and 5% reported they did not know if they had been screened. Participants with lower educational levels perceived themselves at high risk for developing CRC polyps, would not want to know if they had CRC, and if they did have CRC, would not want to know until the very end. Limited information about CRC and CRC screening, a lack of specialized providers, limited transportation assistance, and compromised personal privacy in small-town medical facilities were perceived to be barriers to CRC screening. CONCLUSIONS: Low screening rates persist among rural Hispanics. Improving CRC screening literacy and addressing factors unique to rural Hispanics may be a beneficial strategy for reducing screening disparities in this at-risk population.

Receipt of a survivorship care plan and self-reported health behaviors among cancer survivors.

PURPOSE: Our study aims to determine whether receipt of a written survivorship care plan (SCP) is associated with five self-reported health behaviors known to be correlated with positive long-term outcomes for cancer survivors: (1) attending a recent medical appointment, (2) exercise in the past month, (3) non-smoking status, (4) mammography in the past 2 years, and (5) up-to-date colorectal cancer screening. METHODS: In this secondary data analysis, we used data from the 2014 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) cancer survivorship module for 1855 off-treatment cancer survivors. Multivariable logistic regression accounting for complex survey design was used to examine the association between SCP receipt and each of the five preventive health behaviors. RESULTS: Overall, 37% (669/1855) of survivors reported receiving a written survivorship care plan. In the logistic regression models adjusted for sociodemographic and disease-related factors, SCP receipt was associated with having a recent medical appointment (OR (95% CI) 2.81 (1.27-6.22)), exercise in the past month (1.78 (1.20-2.63)), non-smoking status (2.27 (1.26-4.12)), and up-to-date mammography (2.25 (1.30-3.88)). Receipt of a survivorship care plan was not associated with colorectal cancer screening (1.2 (0.73-2.03)). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides preliminary evidence that SCPs may be helpful in promoting health behaviors among cancer survivors, including attending a regular medical appointment, mammography screening, exercise, and abstinence from smoking. Additionally, the low rates of SCP provision highlight an important missed opportunity and area for intervention. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Providing survivors with SCPs may help to increase important health behaviors.

"Making My Own Decisions Sometimes": A Pilot Study of Young Adult Cancer Survivors' Perspectives on Medical Decision-Making.

This study aimed to provide a better understanding of the medical decision-making preferences and experiences of young adult survivors of pediatric, adolescent, and young adult cancers. We conducted key informant interviews and a cross-sectional mailed survey with young adult survivors (currently aged 18-39 years) of pediatric, adolescent, and young adult cancers in South Texas. Of the responding survivors, almost all wanted to be actively involved in medical decision-making, but preferences regarding family and doctor involvement varied. In open-ended responses, the most commonly reported concerns related to medical decision-making were feelings of uncertainty and fear of receiving bad news. Survivors reported that they desired more information in order to feel better about medical decision-making. Due to the variety of preferences regarding decision-making and who to include in the process, physicians should be prepared to ask and accommodate patients regarding their decision-making preferences.

A New Lease on Life: Preliminary Needs Assessment for the Development of a Survivorship Program for Young Adult Survivors of Cancer in South Texas.

Priorities for young adult survivorship care from the survivors' perspective are not well documented. To address this within our patient population, we conducted a multimethod needs assessment of young adult survivors of pediatric, adolescent, and young adult cancer in South Texas to get a better understanding of the ongoing challenges and priorities for their survivorship needs and related services. Participants were 18 to 39 years at the time of the needs assessment and predominately Hispanic. In an online survey, survivors most commonly cited being concerned about their physical and mental health, long-term treatment effects, recurrence, and health insurance issues. Participants stated that they received critical support from family, friends, and medical staff, but they would like to receive additional support from other cancer survivors through peer mentorship opportunities and survivor retreats/social events.