Understanding of Genetic factors and familial breast cancer introduced new treatment pathways for risk reduction among breast cancer patients. Genetic breast cancer is entirely a different subset and definately it needs a patient oriented planning. However educational background, awareness and knowledge of patients, availability of genetic testing and busy tertiary care hospital settings in LMIC are the challenges for the optimal management of Genetic and familial breast cancers. Current prospective questionnaire based study is aimed to evaluate knowledge and awareness of breast cancer patients pertaining to genetic aspect.
This prospective questionnaire-based study with an educational interventional component was carried out on 300 newly diagnosed female breast cancer patients at a high volume North Indian tertiary care cancer center. Aclinically validated structured questionnaire containing 19-questions to test knowledge, awareness of breastcancer, its genetic aspect, attitude toward genetic testing and prophylactic interventions was executed. The studywas conducted in three phases i.e., Questionnaire based Pre-intervention, Educational Intervention (Brief 20 min descriptive educational session) & Questionnaire based post-Intervention assessment (after 7 days). Stuart Maxwell test of marginal homogeneity was used for comparative assessment and positive percent changes were noticed.
Impact of educational intervention.
S.No Question Sporadic (n=250) Pre & Post educational intervention Positive Percentage change P Value Familial (n=50) Pre & Post educational intervention Positive Percentage change P Value 1 Awareness (A) and knowledge (K) regarding breast cancer 12.08 16.67 0.2231 2 A&K regarding breast cancer screening 28.12 0.001 60.8 0.0009 3 A&K regarding breast cancer treatment 81.01 0.001 90 0.0186 4 A &K regarding Familial/hereditary breast cancer 65.2 0.0001 100 0.0003 5 A&K regarding genetic risk factors including BRCA 9 0.0027 27.27 0.014 6 Willingness for genetic testing for self or family member 12.0 0.0001 66.6 0.056 7 Awareness regarding prophylactic interventions 43.3 0.0001 90.47 0.001
A single short educational interventions showed significant improvement in the awareness level, knowledge regarding breast cancer and its genetic aspect. Educational intervention has improved patient awareness and willingness for genetic testing and prophylactic intervention, more profoundly in hereditary cases. Hence, in LMIC educational tools can help in dealing with complexissues like genetic testing and risk reduction strategies.
The authors.
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All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.