Perceived risk and risk reduction behaviours of female first-degree relatives of breast cancer patients attending care at Uganda cancer institute

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to assess the perceived risk of breast cancer (BC) and adoption of risk reduction behaviours among female first-degree relatives (FDRs) of BC patients attending care at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI).

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was performed using a questionnaire to collect data between March to October 2019. Adult female FDRs of patients attending care at UCI were recruited consecutively. Breast cancer perceived risk was assessed using a verbal measure; 'My chances of getting BC are great' on a Likert scale with 5 response alternatives. Chi square tests and modified Poisson regression using generalised estimating equations model were used to determine associations and examine factors associated with perceived risk of BC.

RESULTS

We enrolled 296 FDRs from 186 female BC patients. Few participants 118/296 (40%) had high perceived risk of BC. Majority 165/296 (56%), had ever practiced breast self-examination. At the multivariable modified Poisson GEE model, women aged 36-45 years were more likely to perceive themselves to be at high risk of developing BC compared to women aged 18-25 years (adjusted prevalence ratio: 1.174; 95% confidence interval [95%CI] = 1.05-2.88; p value = 0.030) after adjusting for age, religion, educational level and residence.

CONCLUSION

Few FDRs of BC patients perceived themselves to be at high risk of developing BC and do not seek risk reduction measures including screening and early diagnosis approaches. Breast cancer health education especially targeting younger women should emphasize the increased risk of BC in FDRs.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer patients and psycho-oncology providers: Perspectives, observations, and experiences of the American Psychosocial Oncology Society (APOS) membership

OBJECTIVE

To understand: (1) psycho-oncology providersX2019; perspectives on and observations of the psychological responses of their cancer patients during the pandemic, and (2) psycho-oncology providersX2019; own experiences delivering care.

METHODS

In this concurrent mixed methods study, a survey was distributed to psychosocial providers who were members of the American Psychosocial Oncology Society (APOS). Survey respondents were invited to participate in a one-on-one audio-recorded interview via phone or secure ZoomX00AE;.

RESULTS

76 self-identified psycho-oncology providers responded to the survey and 11 participated in a one-on-one interview. Approximately half reported that patients responded in unique ways to COVID-19 stress relative to other populations. Three themes emerged from qualitative analyses: (1) unique burden on patients, (2) cancer patientsX2019; pandemic response and its relationship to their cancer experience, and (3) unexpected positive changes. Providers emphasized that the cancer experience may have prepared patients for the existential distress of the pandemic and described patientsX2019; resiliency. Two themes emerged regarding delivery of care: (1) new professional and personal challenges and (2) provider resiliency.

CONCLUSIONS

Although providers observed that the pandemic placed new burdens on patients, they emphasized that the cancer experience may have prepared patients for the existential distress of the pandemic and described patientsX2019; resiliency. To overcome challenges, psycho-oncology providers used innovative strategies to support patients and foster their own mental health. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.