Exploring Women's Perceptions of Their Risk of Developing Breast Cancer
Abstract
The study aimed to describe perceived breast cancer risk, compare subjective and objective risk estimates, and examine the influence of heuristic reasoning in women's narratives. The survey used three probability scales (Verbal, Comparative, Numerical) and the Gail model to measure perceived and objective risk. Aim 3 is addressed with Argument and Heuristic reasoning analysis. We recruited a multicultural, educated sample of 184 English-speaking women from community settings. Fifty four provided an in-depth interview. Participants held an optimistic bias regarding their breast cancer risk (comparative optimism and better-than-average), and underestimated their objective risk calculated with the Gail model. Older women and those with one affected first-degree relative did not perceive higher risk, which implies that women's knowledge of breast cancer risk factors was incomplete, despite their high educational level. Age and family history are independent predictors of sporadic and hereditary/familial breast cancer risk; yet, women could not distinguish between the two forms of the disease. Moreover, higher risk women were not more likely to receive more frequent screening.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA472081
Entities
People
- Maria C. Katapodi
Organizations
- University of California, San Francisco