Beliefs, screening attitudes, and breast cancer awareness of young women with neurofibromatosis type 1: a reflexive thematic analysis

Pilkington, Melissa ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3091-751X and Plunkett, Caitriona (2024) Beliefs, screening attitudes, and breast cancer awareness of young women with neurofibromatosis type 1: a reflexive thematic analysis. Journal of Health Psychology. ISSN 1359-1053 (In Press)

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Abstract

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) predisposes individuals to benign and malignant tumours. Young women with NF1 (<50 years) have an up to five-fold increased risk of breast cancer. The UK adopts moderate cancer risk guidelines of NICE, advising women with NF1 to attend breast screening from 40 years. Breast cancer in this cohort predominantly occurs from 34 to 44 years. Without earlier screening, breast awareness is fundamental. Reflexive thematic analysis and semi-structured interview questions based on the health belief model explored whether a tailor-made breast cancer awareness intervention would be beneficial by examining beliefs, screening attitudes, and breast cancer awareness of young women with NF1. Findings suggest the establishment of accessible and accurate NF1 and breast awareness information, development, and implementation of a breast awareness intervention for young women with NF1, and healthcare professionals.