Abstract PO-023: The Virginia Living Well Research and Registry: A community registry to assess cancer screening and lifestyle behaviors among rural Virginia residents

• Published in: Cancer epidemiology, biomarkers & prevention biomarkers & prevention, 2020-12, Vol.29 (12_Supplement), p.PO-023-PO-023
• Main Authors: Thomson, Maria D., Williams, A., Preston, M.A., Sutton, A.L., Sheppard, V.B.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1055-9965; 1538-7755
• DOI: 10.1158/1538-7755.DISP20-PO-023

Background: Rural counties in Virginia have significantly higher overall cancer mortality compared to the state. Virginia is one of a few states that has both breast and colorectal cancer hotspots, driven primarily by mortality rates among African Americans. The Virginia Living Well Research and Registry (VALW), a community registry, was developed in collaboration with community partners to collect critical patient reported outcomes, including cancer protective and risk behaviors that can be tracked longitudinally. We assessed participation in cancer screening and five cancer protective behaviors, with comparison by geographical residence and race. Method: In-person and electronic recruitment by community-based staff enrolled adults (18+ years) living in Virginia, focusing on predominantly rural counties. Surveys were completed in-person, by phone or online. Questions included cancer screening (breast, cervical, colorectal), five cancer protective behaviors (physical activity, sleep, alcohol, BMI, smoking status) and demographics. Rural residence was defined using RUCC codes and calculated from mailing addresses. Results: To date, 586 participants are enrolled; 74% are rural (RUCC 4-9), 47% are Black/African American and 70% identify as female. Rural residents reported significantly lower household income (Χ2=25[1]:p< .000), greater use of Medicare (Χ2=4.5[1]:p=.034) and lower (pre-COVID) unemployment (Χ2=7.1[1]:p=.008) compared to urban participants. White participants reported significantly more alcohol use (Χ2=5.6[1]:p=.003), greater sleep disturbance (Χ2=5.6[1]:p=.018) and lower BMI(Χ2=33.4[1]:p