Abstract C029: The SGM Cancer CARE Workshop: A conversation on the importance of providing training, mentoring and networking to address cancer disparities for underserved populations in the face of changing federal priorities

Abstract Context: To achieve evidence-based care for SGM individuals with and at-risk for cancer, we developed and disseminated the “Sexual and Gender Minority Cancer Curricular Advances for Research and Education” (SGM Cancer CARE) workshop using funds provided through two National Cancer Institute funded R25s. In the third year of the five year dissemination award, the project was terminated early in spite of commendable accomplishments. In this presentaton, we provide an overview of the workshop, describe programmatic successes and expansion, and discuss the need for and strategies to sustain this vital training program that prepares early- and mid-career scientists and clinicians to create and conduct SGM-inclusive cancer research to promote equitable care. Methods: In 2018 and 2019, we created and piloted the SGM Cancer CARE Workshop. We disseminated the workshop first on-line and then via in person formats between 2021-2025. The initial workshop included training modules on Epidemiology, Clinical Care Research, Behavioral Science, and Community-Based Approaches to SGM cancer research. All workshops were evaluated using mixed methods pre/post module and workshop surveys. Post-workshop focus groups elicited information to assess the degree to which participant needs were met. In 2025, in response to changing federal priorities, a pre conference survey was used to gather participant questions and concerns. All former participants received an alumni survey to increase our understanding of their post workshop career development, collaborative research activities and experiences of SGM cancer research. Results: To date, 110 clinicians and scientists representing 26 states, have successfully completed the SGM Workshop. Participants self-identified as: sexual orientation--29% gay and lesbian, 19% queer, 18% bisexual, 2% fluid, 1% questioning and 31% heterosexual/straight; gender--65% female, 22% male, 3% transgender, and 10% genderqueer/gender nonconforming; and race/ethnicity--60% white, 15% Hispanic/Latinx, 15% Asian, 8% Black, and 2% Native American. Evaluation and focus group results across all workshops demonstrated marked confidence with the design and conduct of SGM cancer research. Based on feedback, we added grantsmanship skills development; participant research presentations for instructor feedback; monthly Trending Topics seminars to address unaddressed topics and highlight alumni research; and developed resources to expand networking capacity using CANVAS and a website hosted by the Building the Next Generation of Academic Physicians (BNGAP) program. Discussion: Today, we discuss the efficacy and success of the interdisciplinary, competency-based curriculum, and the mentorship and networking opportunities afforded through the workshop. We discuss partnership strategies to continue support of alumni made vulnerable by changes in research priorities and funding terminations that undermine the abilities of the research and cancer care workforces to address the health and oncology care needs of a medically underserved population. Citation Format: Miria Kano, Irene Tamí-Maury, Shine Chang, Nelson Sanchez. The SGM Cancer CARE Workshop: A conversation on the importance of providing training, mentoring and networking to address cancer disparities for underserved populations in the face of changing federal priorities [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 C029.