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Duration of an Intervention's Impact on Perceived Breast Cancer Risk

Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, jquillin{at}mcvh-vcu.edu

Donna K. McClish, PhD

Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond

Resa M. Jones, MPH, PhD

Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond

Diane B. Wilson, EdD, MS

Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond

Kelly A. Tracy, PhD, MS

Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond

Deborah Bowen, PhD

Boston University, Massachusetts

Joseph Borzelleca, MD, MPH

Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond

Joann N. Bodurtha, MD, MPH

Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond

This study explored risk perceptions after breast cancer risk appraisal. The study involved a randomized trial of Women's Health clinic patients ( 40 years old). Primary outcome was perceived breast cancer risk at baseline, 1 month, 6 months, and 18 months. Perceived breast cancer risks were higher than actual calculated risks at baseline. At baseline, 45% reported moderate/strong risk and 43% reported lower-than-average risk; 53% said that their risk was lower than 15%. Mean perceived lifetime risk was 31 out of 100. Throughout follow-up, the treatment group reported lower risks by all measures, as compared to controls. However, for African American women, perceived risk "out of 100 women" did not change. A brief health risk appraisal tends to lower breast cancer risk perceptions for at least 18 months, but the impact may vary by race/ethnicity. These findings could affect health behaviors, such as annual mammograms, which are influenced by perceived risk.

Key Words: risk perceptions • health communication • breast cancer

Health Education & Behavior, Vol. 35, No. 6, 855-865 (2008)
DOI: 10.1177/1090198108325912


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