Factors Affecting Cancer Prevention Behaviors and Cancer Screening in First-Degree Relatives of Breast and Colorectal Cancer Patients in Korea: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: First-degree relatives (FDRs) of cancer patients have a high risk of cancer due to a similar lifestyle and genetic predisposition. However, previous studies rarely examined the level of cancer prevention behaviors and screening and affecting factors in cancer patients' FDRs.

Purpose: This study aimed to describe the levels of cancer knowledge, attitudes toward cancer, cancer worry, perceived cancer risk, and cancer prevention behaviors and cancer screening in FDRs of breast and colorectal cancer patients. Moreover, it sought to identify factors affecting cancer prevention behavior and cancer screening.

Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive correlational design was used. The study enrolled 138 FDRs of breast and colorectal cancer patients. Participants completed self-administered questionnaires at a tertiary hospital in Seoul, Korea. Descriptive statistics, frequencies, chi-square test, independent t test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson's correlation, multiple regression, and logistic regression were performed for data analysis.

Results: The levels of perceived cancer risk, cancer knowledge, attitude toward cancer, and cancer prevention behaviors were moderate, while the level of cancer worry was high. Ninety-two participants reported having undergone cancer screenings, but the types of screening were not associated with their family history. Age, gender, and attitude toward cancer affected cancer prevention behaviors. The cancer screening rate was higher in older participants, in women, and in patients' FDRs with a longer cancer diagnosis.

Implications for practice: Attitude was the modifiable factor for cancer prevention behaviors. Nurse-led educational and counseling interventions should be developed to improve attitude toward cancer among FDRs of cancer patients.