Do women with a history of breast cancer recommend risk-based breast cancer screening? An in-depth interview study

ObjectivesPersonalizing screening recommendations could enhance efficiency, support timely detection, and optimize resource use. This study explores women’s perceptions of the facilitators and barriers to current screening guidelines and the implementation of risk-based screening (RBS) for breast ca...

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Main Authors: Zi Lin Lim, Freda Giam, Renee Ying Xuan Wong, Jonathan Jun Kit Liow, Keri McCrickerd, Jingmei Li
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-04-01
Series:Frontiers in Psychology
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1414099/full
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author Zi Lin Lim
Freda Giam
Renee Ying Xuan Wong
Jonathan Jun Kit Liow
Keri McCrickerd
Keri McCrickerd
Jingmei Li
Jingmei Li
Jingmei Li
author_facet Zi Lin Lim
Freda Giam
Renee Ying Xuan Wong
Jonathan Jun Kit Liow
Keri McCrickerd
Keri McCrickerd
Jingmei Li
Jingmei Li
Jingmei Li
author_sort Zi Lin Lim
collection DOAJ
description ObjectivesPersonalizing screening recommendations could enhance efficiency, support timely detection, and optimize resource use. This study explores women’s perceptions of the facilitators and barriers to current screening guidelines and the implementation of risk-based screening (RBS) for breast cancer in Singapore.MethodsIndividual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 women aged 21 and above with a history of breast cancer. Data coding and thematic analysis were guided by the Health Belief Model (HBM).ResultsFive themes were identified and mapped to the Health Belief Model (HBM): (1) Knowledge and beliefs, (2) Access to mammography screening, (3) Social influences, (4) Healthcare delivery, and (5) Needs and preferences for RBS implementation. Key barriers to screening adherence included low perceived susceptibility, cost concerns, and accessibility issues. Factors that could improve adherence included social influences promoting breast health awareness, reminders from trusted healthcare professionals (HCP), and confidence in affording screening and treatment. Participants were generally receptive to RBS and valued personalized recommendations, but concerns were raised about risk prediction accuracy, insurance implications, and potential negative reactions to risk results.ConclusionThis study identifies challenges and enablers for enhancing breast screening in Singapore, based on the experiences of breast cancer survivors. Participants supported RBS for routine screening. Successful RBS implementation requires improved health literacy, HCP engagement, and accessible healthcare. Women’s acceptance will rely on research to refine prediction accuracy and communication of risk results.
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spelling doaj-art-1e5dacbb2bb94136b8eba87fff0327ed2025-08-20T02:24:31ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Psychology1664-10782025-04-011610.3389/fpsyg.2025.14140991414099Do women with a history of breast cancer recommend risk-based breast cancer screening? An in-depth interview studyZi Lin Lim0Freda Giam1Renee Ying Xuan Wong2Jonathan Jun Kit Liow3Keri McCrickerd4Keri McCrickerd5Jingmei Li6Jingmei Li7Jingmei Li8Laboratory of Women’s Health and Genetics, Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, SingaporeHuman Development, Institute for Human Development and Potential (IHDP), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, SingaporeLaboratory of Women’s Health and Genetics, Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, SingaporeLaboratory of Women’s Health and Genetics, Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, SingaporeHuman Development, Institute for Human Development and Potential (IHDP), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, SingaporeDepartment of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, SingaporeLaboratory of Women’s Health and Genetics, Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, SingaporeDepartment of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore, SingaporeNational Cancer Singapore, SingHealth, Singapore, SingaporeObjectivesPersonalizing screening recommendations could enhance efficiency, support timely detection, and optimize resource use. This study explores women’s perceptions of the facilitators and barriers to current screening guidelines and the implementation of risk-based screening (RBS) for breast cancer in Singapore.MethodsIndividual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 women aged 21 and above with a history of breast cancer. Data coding and thematic analysis were guided by the Health Belief Model (HBM).ResultsFive themes were identified and mapped to the Health Belief Model (HBM): (1) Knowledge and beliefs, (2) Access to mammography screening, (3) Social influences, (4) Healthcare delivery, and (5) Needs and preferences for RBS implementation. Key barriers to screening adherence included low perceived susceptibility, cost concerns, and accessibility issues. Factors that could improve adherence included social influences promoting breast health awareness, reminders from trusted healthcare professionals (HCP), and confidence in affording screening and treatment. Participants were generally receptive to RBS and valued personalized recommendations, but concerns were raised about risk prediction accuracy, insurance implications, and potential negative reactions to risk results.ConclusionThis study identifies challenges and enablers for enhancing breast screening in Singapore, based on the experiences of breast cancer survivors. Participants supported RBS for routine screening. Successful RBS implementation requires improved health literacy, HCP engagement, and accessible healthcare. Women’s acceptance will rely on research to refine prediction accuracy and communication of risk results.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1414099/fullrisk-based screeningmammographyqualitativebreast cancerSingaporegenetic test
spellingShingle Zi Lin Lim
Freda Giam
Renee Ying Xuan Wong
Jonathan Jun Kit Liow
Keri McCrickerd
Keri McCrickerd
Jingmei Li
Jingmei Li
Jingmei Li
Do women with a history of breast cancer recommend risk-based breast cancer screening? An in-depth interview study
Frontiers in Psychology
risk-based screening
mammography
qualitative
breast cancer
Singapore
genetic test
title Do women with a history of breast cancer recommend risk-based breast cancer screening? An in-depth interview study
title_full Do women with a history of breast cancer recommend risk-based breast cancer screening? An in-depth interview study
title_fullStr Do women with a history of breast cancer recommend risk-based breast cancer screening? An in-depth interview study
title_full_unstemmed Do women with a history of breast cancer recommend risk-based breast cancer screening? An in-depth interview study
title_short Do women with a history of breast cancer recommend risk-based breast cancer screening? An in-depth interview study
title_sort do women with a history of breast cancer recommend risk based breast cancer screening an in depth interview study
topic risk-based screening
mammography
qualitative
breast cancer
Singapore
genetic test
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1414099/full
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