Abstract 178P
Background
Many patients (>75%) diagnosed with breast cancer in Ireland today will be cured and are at risk of dying from other cancers and non-communicable diseases. Breast cancer diagnosis provides a pivotal time point for education on modifiable risk factors and engagement with secondary risk reduction services. Our study set out to establish the level of awareness and acceptability of these areas, respectively.
Methods
A survey was developed for breast cancer survivors and oncology clinicians using previously validated questionnaires; the ‘Mitchelstown Cohort Survey’ and the ‘International Physical Activity Questionnaire’. IBM SPSS software (Version 28.0) was used for data analysis.
Results
Between September and December 2021, 322 patients and 29 clinicians attending the South Infirmary Victoria and Cork University Hospitals, completed the survey. Over 80% of patients and clinicians were aware of modifiable cancer risk factors. Only 1 in 5 clincians had training in secondary risk reduction however 90% of clinicians were willing to refer to services. Education had an impact on the likelihood of patient engagement (Table). Patients who smoked, had increased alcohol intake, or gained weight since diagnosis were more likely to engage with services (p=<.001, p=<.001, p=0.015 respectively). Patients who made changes to activity levels since diagnosis were more likely to engage with exercise education (p=0.015). Table: 178P
Education level and likelihood to engage with secondary risk reduction services
| Patients likely to engage (n/total) | Primary | Secondary | Tertiary | Pearson Chi-Square (p) | |
| Weight gain prevention | 165/318 | 13 | 42 | 110 | 0.009 |
| Dietary education | 182/318 | 13 | 50 | 119 | 0.039 |
| Exercise education | 199/318 | 13 | 52 | 134 | 0.139 |
Conclusions
This study identified that over 4 in 5 breast cancer survivors and oncology clinicians were aware of the importance of modifiable lifestyle risk factors. While 9 in 10 clinicians were willing to refer to secondary prevention services if available, the likelihood of patient engagement was associated with their ‘at risk’ behaviours and education level. Our study highlights the challenges of implementing health promotion programs in this cohort.
Clinical trial identification
Editorial acknowledgement
Legal entity responsible for the study
University College Cork.
Funding
Has not received any funding.
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.