Annual Meeting of the NCI Cohort Consortium (Abstract Submission): Submission #9

Lightning Talks Abstract
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Presenter's First Name: : Meng-Han 
Presenter's Last Name:: Tsai
Title (eg: professor, assistant professor, chair, etc):: Assistant Professor
Degree(s): PhD
Contact Email:: metsai@augusta.edu
Organization:: Augusta University
Project Title:: Descriptive Insights into Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors in Young Hispanic Adults
Additional Authors:
1. First Name: Dongyu
   Last Name: Zhang
   Organization: Augusta University
2. First Name: Bayu
   Middle Initial: B
   Last Name: Bekele
   Organization: Augusta University
3. First Name: Ying
   Last Name: Huang
   Organization: Augusta University
4. First Name: Pamela
   Last Name: Cromer
   Organization: Augusta University
5. First Name: Debbie
   Last Name: Layman
   Organization: Community Liaison Between Augusta University and Costa-Layman Farm
6. First Name: Haidong
   Last Name: Zhu
   Organization: Augusta University
7. First Name: Yanbin
   Last Name: Dong
   Organization: Augusta University

Abstract::
Background: Early-onset colorectal cancer is rising among adults aged 18–49, with disproportionately high mortality rates observed in Southeast. Hispanic adults frequently experience lifestyle-related and cardiometabolic health challenges that could contribute to increased risk of developing CRC. We evaluated CRC risk factors among Hispanic adults under 50, overall and stratified by sex/ age.
Methods: Data were collected at a July 2025 health fair in South Carolina serving Hispanic farm workers. We used the NCI Colorectal Cancer Risk Assessment Tool, which includes demographic, lifestyle, medical, and family history factors, and added cardiometabolic indicators to improve risk estimates.
Results: Of total 34 Hispanic adults, many were females (61.8%) and overweight/obese (76.5%). There were around 47.1% of participants who had elevated blood pressure (BP; Systolic BP ≥ 120 and/or Diastolic BP ≥ 80), 8.8% of those who had high glucose levels (≥126 mg/dL), and 11.8% of those who had high cholesterol levels (≥200 mg/dL). All adults with high glucose were either female or aged 31–49, and 75% of those with high cholesterol were female. Additionally, 65.4% of females aged 31-49 were classified as overweight/obese. Two 47-year-old females, eligible for CRC screening under the updated age threshold of 45, had not been screened; however, both presenting with elevated BP. No consistent patterns by sex/age were observed for other factors.
Conclusion/Discussion: This exploratory study revealed concerning cardiometabolic risks among young Hispanic females, potentially linked to elevated CRC susceptibility. These findings suggest a need for further investigation and tailored risk tools for younger racial minorities.