The development and evaluation of educational resources for young women with neurofibromatosis type 1 undergoing breast cancer surveillance

Background: Women with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) have an increased risk of breast cancer and poorer 5-year survival. Current breast surveillance patient information resources may be inappropriate for this cohort due to increased cognitive deficits and cancer worry. Objectives: This study aimed...

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Main Authors: Caitlin Forwood, Emma Hartley, Jane Fleming, Ashley Crook, Diana Nawara, Mathilda Wilding, Lavvina Thiyagarajan, Katrina Moore, Yobelli Jimenez, Rebecca B. Saunderson, Nicola Poplawski, Yemima Berman
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: SAGE Publishing 2025-06-01
Series:Women's Health
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1177/17455057251337118
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Summary:Background: Women with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) have an increased risk of breast cancer and poorer 5-year survival. Current breast surveillance patient information resources may be inappropriate for this cohort due to increased cognitive deficits and cancer worry. Objectives: This study aimed to develop and evaluate NF1-specific patient-centric educational resources about breast cancer surveillance. Design: A pilot, prospective longitudinal cohort study was conducted through a Sydney tertiary hospital (Royal North Shore Hospital) adult NF1 clinic and an established breast cancer risk management clinic. Methods: A brochure was developed with input from stakeholders and women with NF1 participating in breast surveillance. The content was adapted to create a webpage and animation evaluated through clinician and patient surveys. Final iterations of the resources were based on stakeholder feedback. Results: Nine semi-structured interviews were conducted with women with NF1 after breast surveillance. All considered the brochure acceptable and valuable and supported sharing the resource. Fifty-seven patient and clinician surveys were also completed, with the webpage and animation highly rated regarding acceptability, usefulness, and relevance. Conclusions: Information in three media has been developed specifically for women with NF1, considering breast surveillance to increase understanding, provide reassurance, and as a memory aid to support clinician consultation.
ISSN:1745-5065