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

Abstract

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.

Effects of interventions on the screening behavior in female first‐degree relatives of breast cancer patients: A systematic review

“…Twentyeight articles were screened for full-text review. Thirteen articles were subsequently identified for inclusion in the review (Ainembabazi et al, 2023;Audrain et al, 1999;Bastani et al, 1999;Bloom et al, 2006;Hajian et al, 2011;Houts et al, 1991;Lipscomb et al, 2020;Liu et al, 2017;Nasiriani et al, 2017;Oleske et al, 2007;Richardson et al, 1996;Tao et al, 2017;.…”

“…Female FDRs, including mothers, sisters, and daughters of BC patients, have a 1.5‐ to 3‐fold greater risk of developing BC during their lifetime than the general population (Braithwaite et al., 2018). However, the FDRs of BC patients frequently lack details about their individual BC risks to take early detection measures (Ainembabazi et al., 2023). The BC screening rates for the FDRs of BC patients are low (Kirca et al., 2018).…”

Global psycho‐oncology in low middle‐income countries: Challenges and opportunities

“…In a systematic review of the duration of time from symptom onset to the first consultation with a health professional in breast cancer patients, Petrova et al 17 demonstrated the role that literacy and education, stigma, low socioeconomic status and social support play in delaying help-seeking in this population. Ainembabazi et al 18 have demonstrated the link between perception of risk and seeking of screening in female relatives of patients with breast cancer in Uganda.…”

“… 17 demonstrated the role that literacy and education, stigma, low socioeconomic status and social support play in delaying help‐seeking in this population. Ainembabazi et al 18 have demonstrated the link between perception of risk and seeking of screening in female relatives of patients with breast cancer in Uganda.…”