Conhecimento sobre a predisposição genética ao câncer de mama e ovário na capital de Alagoas, Nordeste do Brasil

Abstract

Introduction: Breast and ovarian cancers impact many women in Brazil. Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome (HBOC) accounts for 5 to 10% of all cases of breast and ovarian tumors diagnosed and mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are the main causes of tumors in these patients. However, knowledge about risk factors, prevention, and management is poorly disseminated. Objective: To characterize the knowledge of the population of Alagoas, treated within the Unified Health System, regarding the impact of genetic factors on the hereditary predisposition to breast and ovarian tumors. Methodology: This is an observational, cross-sectional study, of a quantitative and qualitative nature, using a structured questionnaire applied in the two pubçic services locations during the period from August 2023 to April 2024. In order to relate the categorical variables, the chi-square test was performed, with a significance level of 5%. Results: Analyzing the 237 participants, the majority of whom were female (208, 89,3%), with intermediate education (105, 45.7%), and had a reasonable understanding of non-genetic risks. It was noted that those with higher education answered more questions correctly about male breast cancer (p=0.025) and family heredity of breast cancer (p=0.006). On the other hand, a high number said they don’t know HBOC - 173 (93,5%). Conclusion: The combination of current awareness strategies with an approach to genetic risk factors is crucial to improving disease prevention policies.