Abstract B024: Promoting awareness: A trainee-led inflammatory breast cancer campaign

Abstract The purpose of this study was to conduct focus groups to inform marketing campaigns to increase inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) awareness. Breast cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women worldwide. IBC is a rare aggressive form of breast cancer. In the US, women who generally have less access to information and resources that could reduce cancer risks are more likely to be disproportionately burdened by the incidence and mortality of IBC and often face poorer outcomes. Thus, there is a significant need to raise awareness in diverse communities about IBC. Student trainee scholars and faculty mentors supported by a Komen grant conducted focus groups with diverse participants from select areas of North Carolina. Trainees moderated, documented, and summarized sessions highlighting notable themes. While many of the participants were cancer survivors (30.16%) or have/had a family member with cancer (47.62%), most were unfamiliar with IBC. Various social media platforms, one-on-one education, patient self-advocacy sessions, and changing the perception of lumps as an indicator of IBC were recommended to raise awareness. The focus group sessions provided a unique community-based perspective on how to engage, develop, and disseminate relevant and accessible information about IBC. As a result of these recommendations, awareness has been spread through multiple outreach and partnership events. During one event students from multiple institutions worked collaboratively to explore ways to increase awareness of IBC and developed innovative ideas to promote education and outreach through print and social media. While cancer incidence and mortality overall are declining in the US, underserved groups continue to suffer disproportionately. Researchers partnering with at-risk communities is vital to raising awareness of IBC in diverse communities. Future efforts will include assessment of the reach and impact of our outreach efforts. Citation Format: Kevin P. Williams, Seronda A. Robinson, Alanna D. Burwell, Special A. Dover. Promoting awareness: A trainee-led inflammatory breast cancer campaign [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 B024.