Attitudes toward subsequent primary cancer prevention among survivors of childhood, adolescent, and young adult (CAYA) cancer in Japan: results of a comprehensive questionnaire survey on long-term women's health after CAYA cancer.

Abstract

Objective: Prevention of subsequent primary cancer (SPC) is crucial for cancer survivors, particularly those who developed the disease during childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood (CAYA). The aim of this study was to assess the current status of SPC prevention among female CAYA cancer survivors.

Methods: A survey regarding long-term health issues after cancer treatment was conducted using questionnaires that targeted women aged ≥20 years who had developed cancer before the age of 40 years. The survey assessed various health issues, and this paper focuses on the items related to the respondents' perceptions and attitudes toward SPC prevention.

Results: A total of 1,026 respondents were analyzed. Over 60% of respondents were aware of SPC and the need for screening. The percentages of respondents who underwent regular SPC screening were 68.3%, 68.4%, 49.7%, 58.6%, and 57.0% for cervical, breast, lung, and gastric cancers, respectively. After adjusting for age, type of first cancer, and current follow-up, we found that receiving recommendations for SPC screening was the most critical factor in SPC screening uptake (odds ratio=3.836; 95% confidence interval=2.281-6.451; p<0.001 by logistic regression analysis). However, only 40.4% of the respondents received recommendations for SPC screening from their physicians.

Conclusion: Despite good awareness of SPC prevention, the uptake rate for cancer screening among cancer survivors was inadequate, indicating that preventive measures for SPC should be promoted. Because recommendations from others strongly influence SPC screening uptake, healthcare professionals should have accurate knowledge and provide guidance regarding SPC prevention.