Abstract A21: Developing a model for engaging underserved breast cancer survivors: Expanding a financial assistance program to include support and education

Background: Living Beyond Breast Cancer's grant assists with the financial hardship of breast cancer treatment. Since 2006, the grant has funded more than 1,200 women by paying household bills. $1.1 million has been distributed in the Philadelphia region. 90% of recipients earn less than 300% of the federal poverty line; 63% are women of color. A 2010 needs assessment indicated that recipients were unfamiliar with LBBC's programs and had limited interactions with the organization. Personal and financial crises made seeking information and support a low priority.

Methods: Interventions developed increase contact time with recipients and provide personalized invitations to other LBBC education and support programs. Applicants receive a peer support phone call from an LBBC Breast Cancer Helpline volunteer to share information about upcoming programs and refer to resources to meet their needs. Special invitations to recipients offer registration fee waivers to LBBC conferences and invite them to tailored programs for low-income families.

Results: 65% of applicants were previously unaware of Living Beyond Breast Cancer and its programs. All applicants receive 10-20 minutes of phone peer support and invitations to two local programs. Applicants receive breast cancer publications on topics related to their concerns or experience. A nutrition-on-a-budget series was piloted in 2013 to address recipients' other wellness needs and provide meals. 14 women participated and reported that the program increased their knowledge of other nutrition resources available and increased their likelihood of using other LBBC services.

Conclusions: A financial assistance program provides a unique opportunity to engage underserved breast cancer survivors who may not otherwise seek support and education from an organization. The addition of peer support interventions helps assess and alleviate other concerns and connects recipients to a support system that they can access throughout their experience. These interventions can act as a model for other regional and national grant programs.

Citation Format: Catherine Creme Henry, Arin Ahlum Hanson, Janine Guglielmino. Developing a model for engaging underserved breast cancer survivors: Expanding a financial assistance program to include support and education. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Seventh AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 9-12, 2014; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2015;24(10 Suppl):Abstract nr A21.