Abstract A152: Beliefs about the value of cervical, breast and colorectal cancer screening among African American and Sub-Saharan Africans

Abstract Background: Timely cancer screening is critical for early detection, treatment, and improved outcomes. However, beliefs about the value and effectiveness of cancer screening may influence screening utilization. These factors have not been examined among African Americans (AAs) and Sub-Saharan Africans- both populations with lower screening uptake. We sought to (1) assess beliefs about the value of cervical, breast and colorectal cancer screening and (2) determine the association of sociodemographics, and health literacy with beliefs about the value of screening. Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of cross-sectional data collected from AA and Sub-Saharan African adults in Kentucky. Questions adapted from the Health Information National Trends Survey cycle 4 (2014) asked participants to answer four statements about the value of cancer screenings: (1) These tests can definitely tell that a person has cancer; (2) When a test finds something abnormal, more tests are needed to know if it is cancer; (3)When a test finds something abnormal, it is very likely to be cancer; and (4) The harms of these tests and exams sometimes outweigh the benefits. Response choices were true, false, and don’t know. A Brief Health Literacy Screening Tool and sociodemographics were also collected. Linear regression assessed associations among sociodemographic items, health literacy and value of cancer screening using SAS, version 9.4. Results: African American (n = 109) and Sub-Saharan African Immigrants (n = 88) adults responded. Respondents correctly answered less than half of the items related to the value of cancer screening (M = 1.7, SD = 0.8). Only 17% responded correctly that cancer screening tests cannot definitely tell that a person has cancer; while 87% correctly responded that when a test finds something abnormal, more tests are needed to know if it is cancer. Males (p = .032) and Sub-Saharan African respondents had significantly lower value of cancer screening scores (p =.002). Age, marital status, education, insurance and health literacy were non-significant. Conclusions: Our findings suggest differential beliefs about the value of cancer screening by males and Sub-Saharan Africans. Accurate evaluation of cancer screening information is vital for informed decision making. Prioritizing targeted education and equitable access to information and evidence on accuracy and value of cancer screening tests are crucial in addressing lower screening uptake and follow-up disparities among males and Sub-Saharan African populations. Citation Format: Adebola Adegboyega, Amanda Wiggins, Darlingtina Esiaka, Lovoria B. Williams. Beliefs about the value of cervical, breast and colorectal cancer screening among African American and Sub-Saharan Africans [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 A152.