Abstract 1048: Unraveling cancer disparities in African Americans: Socioeconomic, healthcare, and environmental contributions in UChicago and Baylor catchment areas

Abstract Background: Cancer incidence rates are disproportionately high among African Americans for several cancers, including breast and prostate cancer. Reasons for these disparities may take root from a complex set of social, economic, and environmental factors. This study examines disparities in cancer incidence among African Americans between the University of Chicago and Baylor College of Medicine catchment areas, focusing on identifying modifiable factors. Methods: Data were obtained from SEER, CDC WONDER, ACS, and Policy Map. We used our intelligent Catchment Analysis Tool, or iCAT, to examine the incidence of cancers with demographic, socioeconomic, and healthcare utilization variables, environmental factors, pollution, and water quality. iCAT helped precisely delineate catchment areas to analyze referral patterns of hospitals and population density. Statistical analysis using multivariate logistic regression and spatial analysis enabled us to identify clusters of disparities. Data visualizations were developed to illustrate relationships, including geographic heatmaps and scatter plots. Results: Our findings demonstrated that cancer incidence rates were dependent on socioeconomic and environmental inequalities, with distinct differences in patterns at U. Chicago and Baylor catchment areas. Communities characterized by higher poverty levels, lower educational attainment, and limited access to healthcare showed increased cancer incidence rates. Environmental factors, especially air quality, further accentuated these disparities. Conclusions: The findings underscore the urgent need for multilevel interventions to target socioeconomic inequities, improve healthcare access, and reduce environmental risks to decrease the cancer burden among African Americans. This study provides a basis for working toward tailored public health strategies in the U. Chicago and Baylor catchment areas, contributing to health equity and improved cancer outcomes. Citation Format: Ahmed Fadiel, Saleh Fadel, W. Butt, K.D. Eichenbaum, M. Abbasi, A. Elbialy, Kunle Odunsi. Unraveling cancer disparities in African Americans: Socioeconomic, healthcare, and environmental contributions in UChicago and Baylor catchment areas [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 1048.