Acceptance of prophylactic surgery and chemoprevention of cancer in Singapore - a survey.
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.
See
H T
HT
Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre, Singapore. dmosht@nccs.com.sg
Cheung
Y B
YB
Yong
F
F
Khoo
K S
KS
Ang
P
P
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
D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents