Abstract C068: Barriers to psychosocial services use among Latina breast cancer survivors: Insights to encourage patient engagement with mental health care

Abstract Background/Objective: Latina breast cancer survivors often underuse psychosocial services due to cultural, linguistic, and structural barriers. Limited English proficiency, past negative experiences, and mistrust may enhance reluctance to engage with mental health support after a cancer diagnosis. This study aims to understand patient-related barriers to psychosocial services use among Latina breast cancer survivors and explore the association of these barriers with patient characteristics. Methods: The sample included 50 foreign-born, Spanish-speaking Latina breast cancer survivors at a comprehensive cancer center who endorsed symptom burden. Data on patient-related barriers to psychosocial services use, patient-clinician interaction, and sociodemographic characteristics were obtained. Regression models were used for data analysis (p<0.05). Results: Patient-related barriers for not using psychosocial services included lack of knowledge (88%), stigma (86%), self-reliance attitudes (78%), preference for informal care from family, friends, or spiritual/religious leaders (70%), and desire to return to normalcy (62%). Patients who endorsed greater stigma reported lower English fluency (comprehension) (p=0.006) and less time since diagnosis (p=0.046). Similarly, stronger beliefs of self-reliance were associated to lower English fluency (p=0.016) and less time since diagnosis (p=0.020). Preference for informal care was linked to poorer patient-clinician interactions (p=0.003). Lastly, greater stigma and self-reliance attitudes were related to increased time in the U.S. (p=0.083, p=0.065), though these associations did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: This study outlines patient-related barriers to psychosocial services use among Latina breast cancer survivors. Findings indicate a high prevalence of stigma, lack of knowledge, and self-reliance beliefs, especially among less acculturated and recently diagnosed patients. These attitudes can prevent appropriate psychosocial care during the early stages of a cancer journey, a period of heightened stress and vulnerability for patients. Additionally, patients may turn to informal support systems when facing difficult interactions with their care team. Future interventions should integrate early, ongoing conversations about mental health support into care. High-quality language support, professional interpreters, and culturally tailored provider education can be used to strengthen trust in patient-clinician interactions. Partnering with community and faith leaders may help align care with a patient's cultural values and preferences, reduce stigma, and foster engagement with psychosocial services. Citation Format: Melissa Gaviria Garrido, Bharat Narang, MPH, Ashley M. Rodriguez, Eida Castro, PsyD, MSc, Victoria Blinder, Rosario Costas Muñiz. Barriers to psychosocial services use among Latina breast cancer survivors: Insights to encourage patient engagement with mental health care [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 C068.