Examining the information and support needs of first-degree relatives of breast cancer patients

Abstract

Women with a family history of breast cancer, specifically among first-degree relatives (FDRs) such as daughter, mother and sister, face a two-fold higher risk of getting breast cancer than women with no family history. Current literature highlighted that these FDRs’ needs for factual information and emotional support were poorly met. Owing to a lack of local research, this cross-sectional survey study aimed to identify the information and support needs of FDRs of breast cancer women, their risk perception and self-care practices. Forty-one FDRs of breast cancer patients were recruited via convenience sampling. They completed a questionnaire comprising primarily the Information and Support Needs Questionnaire (ISNQ). In general they perceived information needs to be more important than support needs. The most important need identified was “information about breast cancer treatment.” Overall, only a few participants perceived that their needs were “met fully” both for information (n = 2, 4.9%) and support needs (n = 3, 7.3%). Breast screening examination (BSE) adherence was low; only eight FDRs (19.5%) performed monthly BSE. They expressed the need to receive guidance from health care professionals on the proper techniques of BSE. In conclusion, the findings underscored the need for effective avenues to empower FDRs with information and support so they can better support themselves and their loved ones. This is essential to help them cope with the cancer diagnosis of their loved ones, while simultaneously engaging in early screening and health-promoting measures toward betterment of their own quality of life and health outcomes.