Cancer risk perception among family members of patients with digestive tract cancer and associated patient- and family member-related factors: A cross-sectional study of 414 patient–family member pairs

Objective: Family members of patients with digestive tract cancer may share familial or lifestyle-related risks, but their cancer risk perception is poorly understood. This study assessed cancer risk perception and associated patient- and family member-related factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 414 patient–family member pairs (828 individuals) from two tertiary hospitals in Sichuan Province, China, between March and October 2023. Cancer risk perception was assessed using a modified 26-item scale. Associated factors were examined using t tests, one-way analysis of variance, and hierarchical linear regression. Results: The mean total score among family members was 89.23 (standard deviation [SD] 22.42). Mean item scores were 3.41 (SD 0.99) for deliberative, 3.89 (SD 1.49) for affective, 3.76 (SD 1.03) for experiential, and 2.86 (SD 0.77) for carcinogenic factor risk perception. In the final model, patient treatment complications and mild self-care dependence were associated with higher scores. Among family members, higher scores were associated with junior college or higher education, monthly per capita family income greater than 5000 Chinese yuan (CNY), and previous care of another relative with cancer; lower scores were associated with older age (45–59 and ≥ 60 years), good self-rated health, and improved health status. The model explained 60.5% of the variance (adjusted R 2 = 0.569; Δ R 2 = 0.480). Conclusions: Cancer risk perception was associated with patient clinical circumstances and family member demographic, caregiving, and health characteristics. The carcinogenic factor dimension had the lowest mean item score. These findings support appropriately calibrated risk communication and guideline-based prevention counseling.