Abstract P5-09-14: Understanding and attitudes towards cancer clinical research among breast cancer patients compared to the general population: Prospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Kelly CM , McCaffrey JA , Kelly CM 
Published: May 2016

Background: In 2009 the Irish Platform for Patients' Organisations, Science and Industry (IPPOSI) commissioned research to ascertain the Irish public's understanding and opinion of clinical research (CR) and clinical trials (CT). The aim of this study was to compare attitudes and understanding regarding participation in cancer CT in breast cancer pts treated in a disadvantaged area to those of the general population surveyed by IPPOSI.

Methods: Eligibility criteria included: a cancer diagnosis (dx), attendance at the Mater Hospital, able to complete a questionnaire. We examined: a) demographics b) cancer dx, c) understanding and attitudes towards CR, 4) discussion regarding participation and 5) experience on a CT. Comparison was made between this study and the IPPOSI survey of 1000 members of the Irish public.

Results: 356 pts completed the questionnaire. The majority (58%, n=206) had a history of breast cancer and these results focus on this group. The median age was 56 yr (range: 28-81 yr), 19% were ≥ 65 yr. 87% had adjuvant disease, 13% had advanced cancer. 36% did not complete 2nd level education and 38% reported inaccurate cancer details. Most reported understanding the terms 'CR' (91%) and 'CT' (84%). Nearly half (46%) expressed ambivalence or would decline participation in a CT. Reasons offered for this attitude include: fear of side effects (46%), requiring more information (24%), and inappropriate candidate/age (10%). There was a significant association between the decision to participate in a CT and participant's level of education (p=0.02) and cancer stage (p=0.01). Participants with a low level of education were more likely to decline participation (57%). Participants with advanced cancer were more likely to agree to participate (79%). 47% of the study population used support to help in the decision making process. Family (40%), GP (7%) and members of the CT team (10%) were the forms of support most commonly accessed. 33% had the option to participate in a CT. 86% (n=59) accepted. 9% (n=6) were ineligible. The majority of pts who took part in a CT reported a positive experience (89%) and a positive impact on their quality of life (82.5%). Over 90% of pts would recommend or take part in another CT.

In comparison with the IPPOSI study, breast cancer pts displayed a greater understanding than the Irish public of the terms 'CR' (91% vs 52%) and 'CT' (84% vs 75%). They were more willing than the Irish public to participate in CR (73% vs 42%) and more specifically research involving the donation of blood (78% vs 71%) or supply of medical details (92% vs 67%). However, there was a similar level of reluctance to participate in a 'CT' amongst both groups.

Citation Format: Kelly CM, McCaffrey JA, Kelly CM. Understanding and attitudes towards cancer clinical research among breast cancer patients compared to the general population: Prospective cross-sectional study. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-09-14.