Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common non cutaneous cancer in Irish women. Diagnosis offers a key opportunity to promote lifestyle change. This study assessed awareness of modifiable lifestyle risk factors and acceptability of secondary risk reduction services amongst breast cancer survivors and healthcare professionals. A cross-sectional study was conducted between September and December 2021. Surveys were developed using previously validated questionnaires: the Mitchelstown Cohort Survey and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. A survey was offered to healthcare professionals working in and patients attending the early breast cancer outpatient clinic at the South Infirmary Victoria and Cork University Hospitals', Ireland. 322 patients and 29 healthcare professionals participated. Many patients met at-risk lifestyle factors; body mass index >25kg/m2 (66 % [n = 203/313]), low physical activity (19 % [n = 60/322]), frequent consumption of high fat, sugar and salt containing foods (42 % [n = 135/320]), increased alcohol consumption (39 % [n = 125/322]) and current smoker (5 % [n = 17/322]). 83 % of patients and HCPs agreed that modifiable lifestyle risk factors are important in cancer prevention. Only 17 % (n=5/29) of HCPs had training in secondary risk reduction; however, 90 % were willing to refer to services. Patients who had increased alcohol intake or weight gain since diagnosis were more likely to engage with services (44 %, n = 15/34 [p=<0.008]) and (74 %, n = 99/134, [p = <0.001]). A large proportion of patients met at-risk lifestyle criteria. Gaps in knowledge of at-risk lifestyle behaviours exist. Patients intended engagement with some secondary risk reduction services was associated with their lifestyle behaviours. Our study highlights the challenges of implementing survivorship health promotion programs.