Recognising and reporting signs of breast cancer recurrence
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Improving self-efficacy for recognising and reporting signs of recurrence following treatment for primary breast cancer
IRAS ID
316807
Contact name
Lauren Matheson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Oxford Brookes University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 7 months, 31 days
Research summary
Approximately 20% of people with breast cancer (PWBC) will develop a recurrence. Evidence suggests that around 13% of recurrent breast cancer (BCa) diagnoses are made following emergency presentation, suggesting avoidable delays may occur in recognising and reporting recurrence symptoms. Importantly, only a small proportion of people diagnosed with a BCa recurrence (13%) feel they have received enough information on what symptoms of recurrence to look out for. Delays in detection of recurrence impact negatively on PWBC’ satisfaction with care, are costly to the NHS, and are likely to impact on survival. Studies show between 30-77% of recurrences are detected by people with breast cancer themselves. However, very little research has focused on PWBC’s views and behaviours regarding symptom monitoring, breast awareness and help-seeking following treatment. This is important, as most PWBC will now go on to patient-initiated follow-up (PIFU) several months following treatment completion. However, some PWBC have reported low confidence and uncertainty over how to check their breasts and how to seek help on PIFU. Therefore, phase 1 of this project will aim to understand the views of PWBC towards recognising and reporting recurrence symptoms, in terms of: barriers and enablers to these behaviours, views of existing support and information, and views towards an intervention to improve self-efficacy for, and overcome barriers to these behaviours. PWBC will be recruited from two NHS hospital sites and through charities, support groups and social media. Semi-structured interviews and online workshops will be conducted with PWBC and health professionals. Phase 2 will develop a support resource for PWBC, to improve confidence for recognising and reporting symptoms of recurrence following treatment completion. Intervention development will be informed by phase 1 findings, existing research and theories, PPI, interviews with charity representatives and further workshops with PWBC and health professionals.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 2
REC reference
23/NS/0070
Date of REC Opinion
24 Jul 2023
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion