Abstract B054: Reaching the hard-to-reach: Development of a community-based collaborative study on the manifestations of structural racism in cancer care settings

Abstract Purpose: To describe the collaborative development of a community-based participatory research study to characterize the experiences of Black and Brown breast and gynecologic cancer survivors in South Florida. We will described how community insights shaped this initiative, strategies for recruiting and retaining minoritized participants, and considerations for adaptation/implementation in other populations. Methods: This mixed methods study aims to (1) characterize the cancer care journey of breast and gynecologic survivors from populations impacted by structural racism and (2) develop patient-driven recommendations to address multilevel manifestations of structural racism in cancer care settings. We hired and trained a team of four cancer survivors from the community who became members of the research team assisting in instrument development and testing, conducting community outreach and recruitment, and data collection and interpretation. Results: Of 46 enrolled participants, 42 (91.3%) completed a survey about the quality of their cancer care. Over 95% (N=40) completed a survivor-led focus group about their experiences navigating cancer, 97.5% (N=39) of whom completed a second focus group to develop solutions to priority issues they identified. Strategies for success included: flexible scheduling and format of focus groups, prioritizing community partner’s ideas and intuition, and building relationships with each individual participant based on trust and compassion. We learned that smaller focus groups (3-4 participants) and flexible use of facilitation guides were key to survivors openly sharing their stories and building community amongst the groups. Investigators should be proactive about administrative processes that may take extra time for community engaged studies to ensure grant timelines can be met. Conclusions: Through authentic community partnership, we achieved outstanding retention rates among racially and ethnically diverse cancer survivors who are often underrepresented in research. Creating a space for minoritized survivors with minoritized survivors fosters healing and connection, simultaneously allowing survivors to feel seen and heard while also being part of building a brighter future for those who come after. Citation Format: Emma L. Herbach, Samantha McCoy, Isis Nelson, Antonia Leavitt, Brandon Mahal, Erin Kobetz, Amanda Rivera. Reaching the hard-to-reach: Development of a community-based collaborative study on the manifestations of structural racism in cancer care settings [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 18th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities; 2025 Sep 18-21; Baltimore, MD. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2025;34(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B054.