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An investigation of the colorectal cancer experience and receptivity to family-based cancer prevention programs

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Abstract

Purpose

Cancer is a shared family experience and may provide a “teachable moment” to motivate at-risk family members to adopt cancer prevention and health promotion behaviors. This study explored how a diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) is experienced by family members and may be used to develop a family-based CRC prevention program. Preferences regarding content, timing, and modes of program delivery were examined. Social cognitive theory provided the conceptual framework for the study.

Methods

This study employed mixed methodology (semi-structured interviews and self-report questionnaires). Participants included 73 adults (21 patients, 52 family members) from 23 families (two patients were deceased prior to being interviewed). Most patients (n = 14; 67 %) were interviewed 1–5 years post-diagnosis. Individual interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and content analyzed.

Results

For many, a CRC diagnosis was described as a shared family experience. Family members supported each other’s efforts to prevent CRC through screening, exercising, and maintaining a healthy diet. Teachable moments for introducing a family-based program included the time of the patient’s initial cancer surgery and post-chemotherapy. Reported willingness to participate in a family-based program was associated with risk perception, self-efficacy, outcome expectancies, and the social/community context in which the program would be embedded. Program preferences included cancer screening, diet/nutrition, weight management, stress reduction, and exercise. Challenges included geographic dispersion, variation in education levels, generational differences, and scheduling.

Conclusions

CRC patients and family members are receptive to family-based programs. Feasibility concerns, which may be mitigated but not eliminated with technological advances, must be addressed for successful family-based programs.

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Acknowledgments

This research was funded by the National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, with grant number CA142065 awarded to Drs. Sinicrope and Radecki Breitkopf.

Disclosures

None

Conflict of interest

All authors have full control of primary data and agree to allow the journal to review the data if requested.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA

    Carmen Radecki Breitkopf, Gladys B. Asiedu, Jason Egginton & Pamela Sinicrope

  2. Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA

    Seung M. L. Opyrchal & Lisa Boardman

  3. Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA

    Lisa A. Howell & Christi Patten

Authors
  1. Carmen Radecki Breitkopf
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  2. Gladys B. Asiedu
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  6. Lisa A. Howell
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Correspondence to Carmen Radecki Breitkopf.

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Radecki Breitkopf, C., Asiedu, G.B., Egginton, J. et al. An investigation of the colorectal cancer experience and receptivity to family-based cancer prevention programs. Support Care Cancer 22, 2517–2525 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-014-2245-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-014-2245-9

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