"I don't know" My Cancer Risk: Implications for Health Behavior Engagement

Many people report uncertainty about their cancer risk. We examined whether such uncertainty was related to cancer prevention and detection behaviors.

National Health Interview Survey data from 2005 to 2010 were analyzed. Participants reported their perceived risk for colorectal and breast cancers. Responses were coded as "valid" (i.e., less/as/more likely than average) or "don't know."

In bivariate analyses for both cancer sites and survey years, "don't know" responders (DKR) engaged in less physical activity than "valid" responders (p < 0.05). DKR had lower mammography adherence than "valid" responders in 2005 and lower colorectal screening adherence in 2010 (p < 0.05). DKR had marginally lower colorectal screening adherence and fruit/vegetable consumption in 2005 (p < 0.06). Multivariable models indicated that the DKR-behavior relationship could be largely accounted for by education.

Interventions that help people understand their cancer risk may provide particular benefit to people with low education and might consequently reduce health disparities.