Dissertation Defense Public Seminar: Presented By Lydia Post

Adverse childhood experiences, their social determinants, and risk of young onset breast cancer subtypes in non-Hispanic Black and White women.

Young-onset breast cancer (YOBC) is the leading cause of cancer death among young non-Hispanic Black and White women in the U.S. and there are socioeconomic and racial disparities in YOBC subtype incidence. Few modifiable risk factors have been identified to inform the prevention of YOBC or mitigate disparities in risk. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been hypothesized to increase breast cancer risk via social and physiological pathways, but no studies have yet evaluated associations between ACEs and YOBC subtypes. Using data from a population-based sample of young non-Hispanic Black and White women, this research evaluates: 1) how social determinants shape risk of ACEs, 2) how ACEs affect body size and whether social determinants modify these associations, and 3) if ACEs are associated with risk of YOBC subtypes and if adult body size – an established risk factor for certain YOBC subtypes – mediates associations. This research suggests one mechanism, ACEs, through which disparities in YOBC subtype risk may be perpetuated.

Join on Zoom