Women's attitudes to the use of tamoxifen as chemoprevention (V1)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Women's attitudes to the use of tamoxifen as chemoprevention for breast cancer
IRAS ID
160257
Contact name
Hayley Walsh
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cardiff University
Research summary
TITLE: Women’s attitudes towards the use of tamoxifen as chemoprevention for breast cancer
SUMMARY: This study will look at the attitudes of women at an increased risk of breast cancer towards the use of tamoxifen as a preventative strategy. The aim is to understand the factors that influence a woman's decision of an offer of tamoxifen. The study will look to recruit 10-15 individuals from the All Wales Medical Genetics Service. Individuals will participate in a semi-structured interview, in which they will be asked to discuss their views and opinions of tamoxifen as a chemopreventive agent.
BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK. While the majority of breast cancers are sporadic and occur in women with no family history, an estimated 30% of cases are described as familial. In primary chemoprevention, the aim is to prevent the development of invasive cancer in healthy individuals that are at an increased disease risk but who have otherwise shown no previous history of tumour development. These individuals may be susceptible to cancer development due to high-risk features, such as the presence of genetic mutations. As of June 2013, new guidelines issued by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommend that tamoxifen should be offered to women at an increased risk of familial breast cancer. Studies have shown that tamoxifen can reduce the incidence of invasive breast cancer in women at an increased risk by 38%.
A qualitative exploratory study will be used to gain in-depth understanding of the participants' thoughts and feelings regarding the use of tamoxifen as chemoprevention. These findings could allow genetic services to better meet patient needs. Previous research has focused on the barriers that prevent acceptance of tamoxifen as chemoprevention. This study will expand on this research by exploring all factors that influence a decision.
REC name
Wales REC 1
REC reference
14/WA/1152
Date of REC Opinion
14 Oct 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion