Abstract PS4-12-18: Socioeconomic Status and Delayed Breast Cancer Care in Southeast Texas:ARetrospective Cohort Study

Abstract BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis and the second leading cause of female cancer-related death in the US. Time-to-treatment-initiation (TTI) has been shown to be critical for improving disease and survival outcomes across cancer types, including breast cancer. Socioeconomic status (SES) and associated disparities are increasingly recognized as influential factors in access to and timing of cancer care. As such, this retrospective cohort study investigated associations between SES and delays in breast cancer TTI across various treatment modalities in Southeast Texas. METHODS: Logistic regression models assessed the associations between treatment delays and socioeconomic or clinical characteristics among 609 patients. RESULTS: Regarding overall treatment, males, unmarried patients, younger patients, and Medicaid users experienced increased delay odds, while females, widows, and Medicare users experienced decreased odds. For chemotherapy, Tricare coverage was associated with excessive delay odds. Regarding surgical intervention, African Americans, unmarried patients, younger patients, and Medicaid users experienced increased delay odds, while Caucasians, older patients, and Medicare users experienced decreased odds. For radiation therapy, divorcees and those with Medicare and Medicaid eligibility experienced increased delay odds.Regarding hormone therapy, younger patients and Medicaid users experienced increased delayodds, while older patients and Medicare users experienced decreased odds. For immunotherapy, unmarried patients experienced increased delay odds, while being married conferred lower odds. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that certain SES factors may significantly predict treatment delays in breast cancer care. As such, targeted strategies addressing disparities, social support, and care coordination are needed to reduce inequities and improve appropriate TTI. Citation Format: A. Jamal, J. Thompson, S. Devi, P. Jain, N. Ganatra, J. Anwar, M. Khalil, T. Terro. Socioeconomic Status and Delayed Breast Cancer Care in Southeast Texas:ARetrospective Cohort Study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2025; 2025 Dec 9-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2026;32(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PS4-12-18.