title: Acceptance of prophylactic surgery and chemoprevention of cancer in Singapore - a survey.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In addition to surveillance practices, chemoprevention and prophylactic surgery can reduce the risk of cancer in individuals at high risk. Sociocultural factors may have a role to play in such decision making. Little is known regarding the factors that play a role in decision making in Singapore.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred and two individuals at normal risk completed a questionnaire on the concept of chemoprevention and prophylactic surgery. The results were analysed using the convenience sampling method.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants were mostly Chinese (94.1%). More than 90% of the respondents answered the section on prophylactic surgery and chemoprevention. Thirty-eight individuals (41.3%) would not consider prophylactic surgery, while 42 (45.7%) would not consider prophylactic surgery now but might consider it in the future. Twenty-five individuals (26.9%) would not consider chemoprevention by taking a medication, 57% would not consider it now but might in the future.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A cross-sectional public view suggests that medical prophylaxis is likely to be more acceptable to the general public compared to surgical prophylaxis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre, Singapore. dmosht@nccs.com.sg
authors.forename: H T
authors.initials: HT
authors.lastname: See
authors.forename: Y B
authors.initials: YB
authors.lastname: Cheung
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Yong
authors.forename: K S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Khoo
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ang
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008408:Mastectomy; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010052:Ovariectomy; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D012846:Singapore; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative
chemical_list: D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents