Ryan D. Baltic

White–Black Differences in Cancer Incidence, Stage at Diagnosis, and Survival among Adults Aged 85 Years and Older in the United States

Background: Increased life expectancy, growth of minority populations, and advances in cancer screening and treatment have resulted in an increasing number of older, racially diverse cancer survivors. Potential black/white disparities in cancer incidence, stage, and survival among the oldest old (≥85 years) were examined using data from the SEER Program of the National Cancer Institute. Methods: Differences in cancer incidence and stage at diagnosis were examined for cases diagnosed within the most recent 5-year period, and changes in these differences over time were examined for white and black cases aged ≥85 years. Five-year relative cancer survival rate was also examined by race. Results: Among those aged ≥85 years, black men had higher colorectal, lung and bronchus, and prostate cancer incidence rates than white men, respectively. From 1973 to 2012, lung and bronchus and female breast cancer incidence increased, while colorectal and prostate cancer incidence decreased among this population. Blacks had higher rates of unstaged cancer compared with whites. The 5-year relative survival rate for all invasive cancers combined was higher for whites than blacks. Notably, whites had more than three times the relative survival rate of lung and bronchus cancer when diagnosed at localized (35.1% vs. 11.6%) and regional (12.2% vs. 3.2%) stages than blacks, respectively. Conclusions: White and black differences in cancer incidence, stage, and survival exist in the ≥85 population. Impact: Continued efforts are needed to reduce white and black differences in cancer prevention and treatment among the ≥85 population. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(11); 1517–23. ©2016 AACR.

Study design, intervention, and baseline characteristics of a group randomized trial involving a faith-based healthy eating and physical activity intervention (Walk by Faith) to reduce weight and cancer risk among overweight and obese Appalachian adults

BACKGROUND Increased prevalence of overweight and obesity among Appalachian residents may contribute to increased cancer rates in this region. This manuscript describes the design, components, and participant baseline characteristics of a faith-based study to decrease overweight and obesity among Appalachian residents. METHODS A group randomized study design was used to assign 13 churches to an intervention to reduce overweight and obesity (Walk by Faith) and 15 churches to a cancer screening intervention (Ribbons of Faith). Church members with a body mass index (BMI) ?25 were recruited from these churches in Appalachian counties in five states to participate in the study. A standard protocol was used to measure participant characteristics at baseline. The same protocol will be followed to obtain measurements after completion of the active intervention phase (12months) and the sustainability phase (24months). Primary outcome is change in BMI from baseline to 12months. Secondary outcomes include changes in blood pressure, waist-to-hip ratio, and fruit and vegetable consumption, as well as intervention sustainability. RESULTS Church members (n=664) from 28 churches enrolled in the study. At baseline 64.3% of the participants were obese (BMI?30), less than half (41.6%) reported regular exercise, and 85.5% reported consuming less than 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. CONCLUSIONS Church members recruited to participate in a faith-based study across the Appalachian region reported high rates of unhealthy behaviors. We have demonstrated the feasibility of developing and recruiting participants to a faith-based intervention aimed at improving diet and increasing exercise among underserved populations.

Abstract B73: Trends in racial disparities in cancer incidence among white and black older adults in the United States

Background: As cancer occurs more commonly in older adults (≥65 years), the aging of the U.S. population is expected to markedly increase the number of cancer diagnoses. Despite this increase, older adults are an understudied cancer patient population. Few studies have reported trends in cancer incidence rates among older adults in the U.S., however, none have examined trends in racial disparities in cancer incidence in this population. Purpose of the study: To examine potential racial disparities in cancer incidence over time among older adults using data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program of the National Cancer Institute. Methods: Cases of female breast, prostate, colorectal, and lung and bronchus cancer were reported to one of 18 SEER registries. Differences in cancer incidence rates by race and changes in these differences over time were examined for cases aged ≥65 years diagnosed 1973-2013. Results: From 1973-2013, lung and bronchus and female breast cancer incidence rates increased while colorectal cancer incidence rates decreased among older adults. Prostate cancer incidence rates increased between 1973 and the mid-nineties and then decreased until 2013 among older adults. Among older women diagnosed with breast cancer, white women had higher incidence rates than black women; however, the percent difference in rates decreased from 23.4% in 1973-1977 to 6.3% in 2008-2013. For prostate cancer, black older men had higher prostate cancer incidence rates than white men from 1973-2013. The percent difference in prostate cancer incidence rates between white and black older men remained relatively large over time, from 45.9% in 1973-1977 to 50.1% in 2008-2013. From 1973-1992, white older adults had higher colorectal incidence rates than black older adults. Notably, beginning in 1993, the colorectal cancer incidence rates among black older adults surpassed those of white older adults. The percent difference in the colorectal cancer incidence rates between white and black older men increased from 4.3% in 1993-1997 to 18.1% in 2008-2013. Lastly, from 1973-2013, black older adults had higher lung and bronchus cancer incidence rates than white older adults. The percentage difference for the rates between white and black older adults decreased from 11.9% in 1973-1977 to 8.5% in 2008-2013. Conclusion: There are considerable racial disparities in cancer incidence rates in the U.S. among older adults. Continued efforts involving cancer prevention are needed to reduce these disparities. Citation Format: Jessica L. Krok-Schoen, James L. Fisher, Ryan D. Baltic, Electra D. Paskett. Trends in racial disparities in cancer incidence among white and black older adults in the United States. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Ninth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2016 Sep 25-28; Fort Lauderdale, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2017;26(2 Suppl):Abstract nr B73.

White-Black Differences in Cancer Incidence, Stage at Diagnosis, and Survival Among Older Adults

Objective: To identify potential White–Black differences in cancer incidence rates, stage at diagnosis, and relative survival probabilities among older adults using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data. Method: Differences in cancer incidence, stage at diagnosis, and 5-year relative survival probability were examined for cases diagnosed within the most recent 5-year period and over time for cases diagnosed from 1973 to 2013 (incidence only) for older White and Black adults. Results: Among adults aged 65 to 74, 75 to 84, and 85 years and older, Black adults had higher cancer incidence rates per 100,000 than White males from 1973 to 2013, respectively. Late stage and unstaged cancers were more common among Black adults in each of the three age groups compared with Whites. Five-year relative survival probability for all invasive cancers combined was higher for Whites than Blacks in each of the three age groups. Discussion: Continued efforts are needed to reduce racial disparities in cancer incidence and mortality among older adults.

Predictors of Colorectal Cancer Screening in Two Underserved U.S. Populations: A Parallel Analysis.

Background Despite declining colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality rates in the U.S., significant geographic and racial disparities in CRC death rates remain. Differences in guideline-concordant CRC screening rates may explain some of these disparities. We aim to assess individual and neighborhood-level predictors of guideline-concordant CRC screening within two cohorts of individuals located within CRC mortality geographic hotspot regions in the U.S. Methods A total of 36,901 participants from the Southern Community Cohort Study and 4,491 participants from the Ohio Appalachia CRC screening study were included in this study. Self-reported date of last CRC screening was used to determine if the participant was within guidelines for screening. Logistic regression models were utilized to determine the association of individual-level predictors, neighborhood deprivation, and residence in hotspot regions on the odds of being within guidelines for CRC screening. Results Lower household income, lack of health insurance, and being a smoker were each associated with lower odds of being within guidelines for CRC screening in both cohorts. Area-level associations were less evident, although up to 15% lower guideline adherence was associated with residence in neighborhoods of greater deprivation and in the Lower Mississippi Delta, one of the identified CRC mortality hotspots. Conclusion These results reveal the adverse effects of lower area-level and individual socioeconomic status on adherence to CRC guideline screening.

Breast Cancer Disparities Among Women in Underserved Communities in the USA

Purpose of ReviewBreast cancer disparities that exist between high-income countries (HIC) and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are also reflected within population subgroups throughout the United States (US). Here we examine three case studies of US populations “left behind” in breast cancer outcomes/equity.Recent FindingsAfrican Americans in Chicago, non-Latina White women in Appalachia, and Latinas in the Yakima Valley of Washington State all experience a myriad of factors that contribute to lower rates of breast cancer detection and appropriate treatment as well as poorer survival. These factors, related to the social determinants of health, including geographic isolation, lack of availability of care, and personal constraints, can be addressed with interventions at multiple levels.SummaryAlthough HICs have reduced mortality of breast cancer compared to LMICs, there remain inequities in the US healthcare system. Concerted efforts are needed to ensure that all women have access to equitable screening, detection, treatment, and survivorship resources.

Esophageal Adenocarcinoma: Opportunities for Targeted Prevention in Ohio

Objective: The incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma, one of the most lethal gastroenterological diseases, has been increasing since the 1960s. Prevention of esophageal adenocarcinoma is important because no early detection screening programs have been shown to reduce mortality. Obesity, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and tobacco smoking are risk factors for esophageal adenocarcinoma. Due to the high prevalence in Ohio of obesity (32.6%) and cigarette smoking (21.0%), this study sought to identify trends and patterns of these risk factors and esophageal adenocarcinoma in Ohio as compared with the United States. Methods: Data from the Ohio Cancer Incidence Surveillance System, Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results Program (SEER), and Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System were used. Incidence rates overall, by demographics and by county, as well as trends in incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma and the percent of esophageal adenocarcinoma among esophageal cancers were examined. Trends in obesity and cigarette smoking in Ohio, and the prevalence of each by county, were reported. Results: There was an increasing trend in esophageal adenocarcinoma incidence in Ohio. Ohio’s average annual esophageal adenocarcinoma incidence rate was higher than the SEER rate overall and for each sex, race, and age group in 2009 to 2013. There was also an increasing prevalence of obesity in Ohio. Although the prevalence of cigarette smoking has been stable, it was high in Ohio compared with the United States. Conclusions: Health care providers and researchers should be aware of the esophageal adenocarcinoma incidence rates and risk factor patterns and tailor interventions for areas and populations at higher risk.

Ethnic disparities in cancer incidence and survival among the oldest old in the United States

ABSTRACT Objective: To examine potential ethnic disparities in cancer incidence and survival rates among the oldest old using data from the SEER Program. Design: Cases diagnosed with one of the leading four cancer sites (lung and bronchus, colon and rectum, female breast, prostate) and four cancer sites (stomach, liver and intrahepatic bile duct, gallbladder, and cervical) that disproportionally affect Hispanics were reported to one of 18 SEER registries. Differences in cancer incidence were examined for cases aged ≥85 years diagnosed during the most recent 5-year time period (2009–2013) and, to examine changes over time, from 1992 to 2013. Five-year relative cancer survival probability was examined for Hispanics and non-Hispanics aged ≥85 years diagnosed 2006–2012. Results: From 2009 to 2013, non-Hispanics aged ≥85 years had higher incidence rates compared to Hispanics for colon and rectum, lung and bronchus, female breast, and prostate cancers. Five-year survival probability for cancers of all stages combined was higher for non-Hispanics than Hispanics in this age group. However, Hispanics had higher survival probability of colon and rectum and lung and bronchus cancers diagnosed at regional (colon and rectum: 67.2% vs. 60.5%; lung and bronchus: 15.9% vs. 12.7%) and distant (colon and rectum: 5.4% vs. 3.8%; lung and bronchus: 2.8% vs. 2.2%) stages than non-Hispanics, respectively. Conclusion: Ethnic differences in cancer incidence and survival probability exist for the ≥85 population. Continued efforts are needed to understand and reduce ethnic disparities in cancer prevention and treatment for this population.

Abstract A37: A group randomized trial to reduce obesity among Appalachian church members: The Walk by Faith study

Purpose: Appalachia is a rural, socioeconomically disadvantaged region with limited access to preventive health services. The Appalachia Community Cancer Network (ACCN) is an NCI-funded research initiative that collaborates with community-based cancer coalitions and other community groups to increase awareness, provide education, and promote cancer prevention. Using Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR) principles, ACCN tested a program to reduce overweight and obesity, a modifiable risk factor for cancer, by working with churches, an important institution in Appalachia. The primary outcome of this study was change in weight from baseline to twelve months. The goal of this report is to present trial results for weight reduction at 12 months. Methods: The study was a group randomized trial where county or group of counties in five Appalachian states (Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia) were randomly assigned to receive either an intervention program on diet and physical activity titled “Walk by Faith” (WbF) or an educational program focused on cancer screening titled “Ribbons of Faith” (RoF). Participants attended an information session, provided informed consent, were screened for eligibility, and completed biometric measurements including height, weight, blood pressure, and waist and hip circumference. Biometric measurements were also collected at 12 and 24 months. Participants reported on demographic, tobacco use, cancer and cancer screening history, healthcare access, Appalachian identity, physical activity and diet-related information at baseline and annually for two years. Church members were eligible if they were 18 years of age or older, overweight, willing to use a computer, and medically cleared to participate. Ohio and Pennsylvania sites enrolled participants from January through September in 2012, while the other three states enrolled participants from February to November 2013. Participants in the WbF program received pedometers, monthly education sessions focused on healthy eating and exercise, healthy eating guide books, physical activity journals, and access to a website (Faithfully Living Well) customized for each church and designed to assist participants to overcome barriers to healthy eating and physical activity, track their weight and activities, and access health-related articles and healthy recipes. RoF participants were invited to attend monthly educational sessions about cancer and cancer screening. Results: Of 866 interested parishioners at 28 churches, 159 (18%) were ineligible; of the 707 eligible individuals who completed screening, 663 (94%) were enrolled. Participants were predominantly female (71%) with average BMI of 33.2; 42% reported regular exercise, 25% had a high school education or lower, and 26% had household incomes Conclusions: Overall, the WbF program facilitated weight loss in mainly male participants, and all participants improved fruit and vegetable intake. If participants were engaged in WbF activities, they lost more weight; thus, ways to improve participation should be explored. These results lend support to church-based intervention programs for underserved rural communities. Citation Format: Ryan Baltic, Electra D. Paskett, Samuel Lesko, Stephenie Kennedy, Gene Lengerich, Karen A. Roberto, Nancy Schoenberg, Gregory Young, Mark Dignan. A group randomized trial to reduce obesity among Appalachian church members: The Walk by Faith study. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eighth AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 13-16, 2015; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016;25(3 Suppl):Abstract nr A37.

Abstract A41: Willingness of adults in Appalachia to participate in research involving biospecimens, biobanking and genetics

Introduction: Rural residents in the U.S., specifically residents of Appalachia, continue to be underrepresented in cancer-related research, which limits the generalizability of findings. In this study, we examined factors associated with willingness of Appalachian adults to participate in donation and banking of biospecimens for research. Methods: As a component of the Appalachian Community Cancer Network (ACCN) II Research Study, between January 2012 and September 2013, we conducted a survey among a faith-based sample of 493 Appalachian adults age 18-92 years (mean = 55.8 years). Five questions aimed at assessing participants9 willingness (five-point scale: not willing at all, hesitant but willing, neutral, willing, very willing) to donate blood, saliva, and buccal specimens and to have their specimens banked and used in future genetics studies were included in the survey. Using univariate logistic regression models, where the outcomes were dichotomized (“willing” [very willing or willing] vs. “not willing” [neutral, hesitant but willing, or not willing at all]), we calculated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to describe factors significantly associated with participants9 willingness to provide these samples. Future analyses will include multivariable-adjusted models. Results: Approximately 73% (358/493) indicated willingness to donate ≥1 biospecimen type; among them, 75% (268/358) were willing to donate all 3 types. Years of education (16 yrs vs. ≤12 yrs: OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.15-2.99), being employed (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.07-2.49), having private insurance (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.18-2.63), identifying as Appalachian (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.00-2.58), being religious (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.03-2.66) and being normotensive (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.12-2.38) were associated with willingness to donate blood. Years of education (16 yrs vs. ≤12 yrs: OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.48-4.11), being employed (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.06-2.52) and having private insurance (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.01-2.27) were associated with willingness to donate a buccal sample. Years of education (16 yrs vs. ≤12 yrs: OR 1.94, 95% CI 1.22-3.10) and being employed (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.01-2.31) were associated with willingness to donate saliva. Approximately 61% (300/493) of participants indicated willingness to have their biospecimens banked for use in future studies; among them, 97% (290/300) were willing to have their samples used for future genetics studies. Years of education (16 yrs vs. ≤12 yrs: OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.27-3.28), regularly engaging in physical activity (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.10-2.33) and experiencing fewer depressive symptoms (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.10-3.13) were associated with willingness to have donated biospecimens stored for future research. Years of education (16 yrs vs. ≤12 yrs: OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.40-3.74) and being employed (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.08-2.54) were associated with willingness to allow donated biospecimens to be used in genetics studies. Conclusions: Appalachian adults in this study responded favorably to questions regarding willingness to participate in biospecimen donation and banking for future research, including genetics studies. Respondents with higher socioeconomic status and positive self-reported health status were most likely to endorse biospecimen donation. This study offers insights into the predictors of willingness to participate in donation and banking of biospecimens for research and may contribute to future efforts to increase equitable representation of Appalachian residents in biomedical research. Citation Format: Adana A.M. Llanos, Gregory S. Young, Eugene J. Lengerich, Ryan Baltic, Betsy B. Aumiller, Mark B. Dignan, Electra D. Paskett. Willingness of adults in Appalachia to participate in research involving biospecimens, biobanking and genetics. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eighth AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 13-16, 2015; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016;25(3 Suppl):Abstract nr A41.