Research themes and projects at the Centre for Womens Health, Gender and Society
Project title
A qualitative study of screening practices and breast cancer risk
Major research theme
Investigators
- Dr Louise Keogh, CWHGS, School of Population Health, The University of Melbourne
- Prof Doreen Rosenthal, CWHGS, School of Population Health, The University of Melbourne
- Prof John Hopper, MEGA Centre, School of Population Health, The University of Melbourne
- Dr Carmel Apicella, MEGA Centre, School of Population Health, The University of Melbourne
Funding
- Part of NHMRC Australian Research Training Fellowship (Dr Louise Keogh, part-time), 2005-2009
Summary
The Australian Breast Cancer Family Study (ABCFS) is a population-based case-control-family study of early-onset breast cancer being conducted at the Molecular, Environmental, Genetic and Analytical Epidemiology (MEGA) centre, The University of Melbourne. Eligible case subjects were identified from the Victorian and New South Wales cancer registries as those women younger than 40 years at diagnosis of a first primary invasive breast cancer between 1992 and 1998. 856 cases participated in the study (71% of those eligible). Participation included completing an interview-administered questionnaire, and each case was asked to approach all their living adult relatives to invite them to participate in the study. All case subjects and selected relatives were asked to provide a blood sample for genetic research.
This project involves following up a small (30-40) but targeted group of participants in the ABCFS in order to explore screening practices and perceptions of risk in much more detail than the epidemiological survey allows. Participants will be invited to take part in this study by an ABCFS interviewer during the follow-up phase of the study if they are unaffected by breast cancer, under 70 years of age, and have not undergone genetic testing. If participants wish to take part, a time and place convenient to the participant will be arranged. The data collection consists of a tape recorded, semi-structured interview on the topic of breast cancer risk and screening decision-making in the area of cancer prevention. Transcripts will be analysed to determine how the participants understand their risk of breast cancer and how they make decisions about screening for cancer.
Data collection is complete. Analysis is underway for this study.