Oral contraceptive use in women at increased risk of breast/ovarian cancer: knowledge and attitudes. Issue 1 (9th September 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bui, Kim Tam; Wakefield, Claire E.; Kasparian, Nadine A.; Tyler, Janet; Abbott, Jason; Tucker, Kathy
• Is Part Of: Psycho-oncology. Volume 22:Issue 1(2013)
• Page Start: 228
• Page End: 232
• Publication Date: 2011-09-09
• Subjects: Cancer -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Neoplasms -- psychology -- Periodicals; 616.9940019
• DOI: 10.1002/pon.2049
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1057-9249

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="pon2049-sec-0050" sec-type="section"> <title>Background</title> <p>Several of the health benefits and risks associated with the combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP) are particularly relevant to women at risk of hereditary breast and/or ovarian cancer.</p> </sec> <sec id="pon2049-sec-0051" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>Eighty‐three past female patients of an Australian hereditary cancer clinic aged 18–50 years completed a self‐report questionnaire to assess their contraceptive practices, knowledge and information needs (44% response rate).</p> </sec> <sec id="pon2049-sec-0052" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>Ninety‐two percent of participants had previously used the COCP, with a mean knowledge score of 3.63 out of 8. Nearly 40% reported that their family history of cancer was one reason they discontinued/avoided using the COCP. Women reported receiving insufficient COCP information and preferred a targeted information leaflet to answer their questions.</p> </sec> <sec id="pon2049-sec-0053" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>Although recall bias may have affected some women, there is a clear need to improve the consistency of information delivered to women at risk of hereditary breast and/or ovarian cancer, to ensure informed contraceptive choices are made. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.</p> </sec> </abstract>