Abstract P3-05-06: The Development of a Hispanic/Latinx Breast Cancer Clinic

Abstract Background: Breast cancer is the leading cause of death for Hispanic women. Even though Hispanic women are 30% less likely to develop breast cancer than non-Hispanic whites, studies have reported a higher risk of breast cancer mortality for Hispanic women compared to non-Hispanic white women. Many factors influence the disparate diagnosis and mortality, including genetic, environmental (estrogen -related,) and socio-economic. Important social factors include the lower rates of mammography screening, longer times to diagnosis after the abnormal test or palpable abnormality. Increased mortality may also be related to tumor specific factors, including increased incidence of triple negative as well as HER2 -positive breast cancer, both subtypes associated with a worse prognosis. Stage at diagnosis is another important factor as Hispanic patients are less likely to have localized stages I and II and higher likelihood to have stages III or IV cancer, which are associated with a much worse prognosis. Once diagnosed with cancer, Hispanic patients are less likely to receive evidence -based treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, endocrine and targeted therapy treatments. Similarly, adherence and compliance to adjuvant endocrine therapy is frequently not optimal. Finally, Hispanic patients represent a very small percentage of patients participating in breast cancer clinical trials. Methods: To address some of the factors related to disparate health outcomes, Northwestern Medicine established The Hispanic Breast Cancer Clinic in September 2023. The clinic’s aims are to elevate the care being offered to Hispanic breast cancer patients in their native language. The clinic is doing so by connecting the patient to resources and addressing social determinant of health that could prevent prompt initiation of therapy. By offering evidence-based guideline concordant recommendations for surgery, radiation, and systemic therapy and for appropriate patients, connecting them to clinical trials. The clinic consists of a Spanish-speaking breast cancer oncologist, nurse, medical assistant, administrative assistant, research coordinator and social worker. Results: The clinic has served 110 patients, enrolled 7 patients in therapeutic clinical trials, initiated four collaborative research projects, including a study evaluating meditation (29 pts), a phone app to provide breast cancer education in Spanish (60 pts), a questionnaire to determine social determinants of care factors (15 patients) and a program helping patients to cope with anxiety (22 patients). Two additional projects are in development including a survey regarding clinical trial barriers, as well as a second questionnaire regarding patient reported outcomes related to the Hispanic clinic. We have a submitted grant applications and received a recent grant to fund a collaboration between Northwestern Medicine and the local county hospital (Stroger)to transfer 2 to 4 patients per week for education, consultation, and discussion regarding diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, and clinical trial options. All patients are evaluated by our social worker and are connected to a variety of resources for additional support. Conclusion: There are many factors that have resulted in worse mortality for Hispanic patients with breast cancer. The factors may be social, genetic or tumor-related. The aim of the Hispanic clinic is to elevate the care and ultimate the outcome of Hispanic patients, once diangosed with Breast cancer by addressing their specific needs. The clinic serves as both a vital resource for patients and a research hub, fostering collaboration with faculty to address pressing questions about breast cancer care, and trust among Hispanic women. This initiative marks an important step towards achieving health equity and advancing tailored healthcare solutions. We will update the numbers of patients participating in the clinic as well as the collaborative projects that are currently ongoing. Citation Format: Claudia Tellez, Jorge Heneche, Marie Harris Fuentes, Michelle Nava, Anayency Maslat, Jackie Renteria, Laurie Ann Llaguno, Maeve Alexander, Michel Balbotin, William Gradishar. The Development of a Hispanic/Latinx Breast Cancer Clinic [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2024; 2024 Dec 10-13; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2025;31(12 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-05-06.