The Effect of Breast Cancer Risk Reduction Program Applied to Women With High Breast Cancer Risk on Participation in Screening, Health Beliefs, and Behavior

Abstract

Background Women with a family history of breast cancer at an early age (≤50 years) have an increased risk of breast cancer themselves. Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of a Breast Cancer Risk Reduction Program (BrCaRRP) on increasing risk reduction behaviors, developing health beliefs, and screening participation in high-risk women with a family history of breast cancer. Methods This is a single-center, single-blind, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial. First-degree biological relatives of breast cancer patients (aged ≤50 years) were divided into intervention (n = 38) and control (n = 39) groups. The intervention (BrCaRRP) group received multiple interventions including education, counseling, case management, and surveillance via face-to-face and telephone interviews throughout a 12-week period, within the framework of the Health Belief Model and Health Promotion Model. The control group was given an information note, and the routine practice of the clinic was performed. Results were measured at baseline and at week 12 when the interventions were finished. Results The probability of participation in breast cancer screenings in the BrCaRRP group was 5.11 times higher. Health motivation was found to have increased in the intervention group. There was no difference in susceptibility and nutritional behavior between the groups. Health responsibility and physical activity increased in the intervention group. The frequency of consulting genetic counseling increased in the BrCaRRP group. Conclusions Breast Cancer Risk Reduction Program increased participation in screening in women and positively affected their health beliefs and behaviors. Implications for Practice Breast Cancer Risk Reduction Program could alter screening and health-promoting behaviors. However, other interventions are still needed to reduce the high level of fear.