ASPO Abstracts
Cardiovascular risk knowledge and attitudes among breast cancer survivors with cardiovascular risk factors.
Category: Behavioral Science & Health Communication, Survivorship & Health Outcomes/Comparative Effectiveness Research
Conference Year: 2018
Abstract Body:
Recent studies show that patients diagnosed with early-stage invasive breast cancer are more likely to die from cardiovascular disease (CVD) than breast cancer. We conducted a pilot study to evaluate knowledge of CVD risk and attitudes toward CVD risk-reducing behaviors among 31 post-menopausal breast cancer survivors prescribed an aromatase inhibitor (AI) who had 1 CVD risk factors (tobacco use, obesity, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, or coronary artery disease). CVD health behaviors, attitudes, barriers and facilitators of CVD risk-reduction, CVD risk knowledge, and medication adherence were assessed. Mean age of the participants was 64 years; half were Hispanic and 38.7% were non- Hispanic white. None were current smokers. Based on a 3-point Likert scale, the majority reported paying “some” to “a great deal of attention” to CVD health behaviors such as getting enough physical activity, eating a healthy diet, and controlling their weight (mean 8.9 [SD 2.6], range 4-12). Only 77.4% stated they gave “a great deal of attention” to taking all of their prescribed medications. Most reported that being physically active, eating a healthy diet, cutting out fat and salt, and taking their prescription medicine was “very important” (mean 10.3 [SD 2.1], range 3-12), but only 19.9% and 25.8% found attending a fitness center/gym or walking up a flight of stairs, respectively, “very easy” to do. When asked agreement on a 4- point Likert scale, more than 83% agreed that “each of us is directly responsible for our weight” and 77.4% agreed that “being physically active is a matter of wanting to do it and applying oneself”. Knowledge of CVD risk factors was high except for knowledge that “good” cholesterol levels should be high (38.7% correct); that, as breast cancer survivors, risk of CVD is higher (51.6% correct) and, that some breast cancer treatments can increases their risk (48.4% correct). Adherence to medications for CVD risk reduction (antihypertensives, statins, hypoglycemics) and AI was medium to low for all medications. Our pilot study suggests that breast cancer survivors at high risk for CVD are motivated to be “heart healthy”, but lack knowledge of their CVD risk and require additional support to lower their CVD risk and improve long-term survival.
Keywords: Breast cancer, Breast cancer survivors, Cardiovascular risk, Cardiovascular risk attitudes and knowledge