175 - Empowering the Black Community through Breast Cancer Genetic Counseling and Testing Education

Abstract Information: Background Evidence suggests that individuals diagnosed with breast cancer at earlier cancer stages are often more knowledgeable about genetic counseling and testing (GCT) . Higher self-efficacy in GCT has been associated with greater participation in GCT for women at risk of hereditary breast cancers . However, there are known barriers and disparities in GCT knowledge and utilization among Black communities, which is particularly concerning given Black women are more likely than white women to be diagnosed with aggressive breast cancers and at later stages when treatments are limited, costly, and have poorer prognoses. Interventions that enhance empowerment (self-efficacy) at the community level are known to reduce health disparities and improve health outcomes. In a pilot program, Susan G. Komen expanded its existing peer-led breast health education program, Worship in Pink (WIP), to include content regarding GCT. This expanded program was piloted within a faith-based community in Houston, TX, to increase breast health and GCT knowledge to help reduce breast health disparities among Black women. Methods Komen aimed to determine the influence of the WIP sessions on participants’ attitudes, knowledge, self-efficacy, and actions related to breast self-awareness and GCT. Komen adapted the Kirkpatrick evaluation model, which takes a stepwise approach to assess these outcomes. Komen added a step to this model to assess participants’ confidence in taking actionable steps to rate their self-efficacy toward addressing breast health and engaging in GCT. After attending a WIP education session, an online survey tool was created and distributed to participants to garner feedback on these areas and demographic data. Results The WIP pilot program conducted three educational sessions at a predominantly Black church in Houston, TX over three months. 105 participants attended these sessions collectively, and while every participant was emailed the survey link after the session, 23 survey responses were received (a 22% response rate). All survey respondents were Black, and the majority were 60 years of age or older and had never been diagnosed with cancer. Over 80% of the respondents had not previously received genetic counseling and testing before the workshop, including the majority of those who reported being in survivorship with breast cancer. Most (78%) agreed they were more knowledgeable about breast health after attending the workshop. All respondents felt that GCT is important in the Black community, and 88% agreed that the workshop helped to improve their feelings about its importance. As a result of the workshop, 82% felt more confident in seeking genetic services; 75% reported feeling more confident about seeking GCT services and 61% expressed plans of seeking these services in the next 6 months; 94% planned to discuss their family’s health history with their family. Conclusions Program outcomes revealed that participants gained knowledge and self-confidence and expressed intentions to actively make decisions toward bettering their breast health, such as continuing the conversation with their families and health professionals and planning to seek breast health and GCT services in the future.