Perception of risk and surveillance practices for women with a family history of breast cancer
Faculty of Nursing, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
Aim: The purpose of this study is to look at the relationship between risk perception and surveillance activities of women who have attended genetic counseling for familial breast cancer and to consider depression, education level, and age as predictors of compliance with breast cancer screening. Methods: This is a retrospective, descriptive, correlational study using the Health Belief Model as a conceptual framework. A convenience sample of 100 women is being recruited from the Hereditary Breast Cancer Clinic at the Breast Health Centre, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. Women are being surveyed to ascertain the impact of counseling on risk perception and screening practices. Results: Data collection is expected to be completed in May 2004. The literature shows women overestimate their risk in spite of genetic counseling and that overestimation of risk does not result in participating in recommended screening behaviors. While family history of breast cancer is linked to a high perceived risk, it was not linked to screening behaviors. According to the literature, an inaccurate perception of risk of breast cancer does not appear to have a significant impact on the utilization of mammography. Conclusions: Perceived risk of breast cancer is an abstract concept that is difficult to “quantitatively” capture on scaled tools. Therefore, care needs to be taken in understanding how the client is interpreting the information (e.g., probing for qualitative information). Increased understanding of the effect perceived risk and depression has on adherence to surveillance recommendations will assist clinicians with designing follow-up surveillance programs to reinforce accurate risk information and promote appropriate surveillance practices.
Paper presented at the International Symposium on Predictive Oncology and Intervention Strategies; Nice, France; February 7 - 10, 2004; in poster session 1096 (Risk & assessment).