# Genetic Variation in Cancer Risk and Outcomes in African Americans

> **NIH NIH P01** · WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $359,901

## Abstract

African Americans experience higher cancer incidence and mortality rates, are diagnosed at more advanced
stages, and have poorer overall survival than other populations. They are also more likely to be diagnosed with
cancers with genetic risk, highlighting the need for robust and accessible interventions to increase recommended
genetic testing (GT). It is also essential to recognize that a legacy of medical mistrust, rooted in historically
negative healthcare experiences and medical research abuses, among African Americans may pose culturally
specific barriers to uptake of GT. Further, social determinants such low genomic literacy and limited access to
genetic counseling (GC) services may also serve as barriers to the uptake of risk-appropriate GT among African
American. This study will build on an established community partnership with the Genomics Research Action
Council to adapt a culturally relevant educational intervention to increase uptake of GT among African
Americans. The first goal of the partnership will be to tailor messaging and educational genetic counseling (GC)
content to address low genomic literacy and medical mistrust among medically underserved African Americans.
The second goal is to increase access to online GC information among African Americans who may be
constrained by socially determined barriers such as access to care, cost, and transportation. Guided by the
Obesity-Related Behavioral Intervention Trials (ORBIT) model, this study will develop an easily accessible and
scalable online educational GC intervention to increase GT among at-risk African Americans. Our aims are:
Aim 1: Guided by the ORBIT model and in partnership with community stakeholders and clinical genetic
professionals, adapt (Phase Ia) and refine (Phase Ib) a culturally relevant online educational GC
intervention for at-risk African Americans
Aim 2: Conduct a Phase IIa single-group proof-of-concept test of the effects of the educational
intervention designed to (a) increase genomic literacy and (b) reduce medical mistrust on uptake of GT
among at-risk African American survivors
Aim 3: Collaborate with community stakeholders and clinical genetic professionals to translate study
findings, develop a roadmap for dissemination to the community, and identify implementation barriers
to prepare for a future Phase IIb randomized trial
The impact of this project lies in understanding how to translate novel genetic discoveries into clinical practice
for African Americans who may face culturally relevant and socially determined barriers to GT. Developing
scalable and sustainable interventions that address these barriers has the potential to significantly reduce a key
driver of racial health disparities in overall cancer burden for African Americans.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10767511
- **Project number:** 1P01CA272239-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Felicity Harper
- **Activity code:** P01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $359,901
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-02-13 → 2029-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10767511

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10767511, Genetic Variation in Cancer Risk and Outcomes in African Americans (1P01CA272239-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-29 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10767511. Licensed CC0.

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