Abstract 7487: Genetic and genomic knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs among Hispanic/Latinos with colorectal cancer

Abstract Background: Knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs (KAB) about genetics impacts engagement in genetics and genomics research, but there is a lack of data about these constructs among Hispanic/Latinos (H/L). Methods: Adult H/L patients with colorectal cancer were recruited at a public (Los Angeles General) and a private (USC Norris Cancer Hospital) hospital to complete a cross-sectional survey assessing KAB. Recruitment and survey administration was done in Spanish or English. Results: Preliminary analysis of 56 surveys found that most participants were from the public hospital (93%), born outside the US (84%), Spanish speaking (71%), and male (63%); median age was 55 years and acculturation was low [1.89 (SD 1.25); scale 1-5]. Low to mid-range scores were found for genetic literacy [3.45 (SD 1.49); scale 1-7], genetic knowledge [9.63 (SD 6.03); scale 0-25], cancer knowledge [2.20 (SD 1.24); scale 0-5]; and tumor genomics knowledge [3.62 (SD 0.78); scale 0-6]. Although 51% agreed they would want to be contacted for future research, 33% expressed uncertainty. When asked about genetic research, > 90% agreed it is medical progress. Almost 90% would want to know if their disease was hereditary, >80% would inform relatives about genetic results, and 29% agreed they were concerned about genetic testing impacting their ability to stay in this country. Conclusion: Participants had limited genetic literacy, genetic, cancer and tumor genomics knowledge. Most expressed interest and positive feelings towards genetic testing and genomic research; however, there were uncertainties and concerns to consider in future research to improve H/L engagement in genetics research. Citation Format: Charite Ricker, Daisy Hernandez, Itzya Ulloa, Elena Taylor, Blanca Ovalle, Bo Yuan, Juan Pablo Lewinger, Rosa Barahona, Caryn Lerman, Julie O. Culver, Mariana Stern, John Carpten, Heinz-Josef Lenz, Lourdes A. Baezconde-Garbanati. Genetic and genomic knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs among Hispanic/Latinos with colorectal cancer [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 7487.