Priority of Risk (But Not Perceived Magnitude of Risk) Predicts Improved Sun-Protection Behavior Following Genetic...

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Behavioral Science
• Cancer Prevention

Background:

• Understanding risk perception is crucial as it influences engagement in preventive health behaviors.
• Multiple components of risk perception exist, including perceived risk magnitude, worry, and prioritization of risk management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze changes in risk perception components (magnitude, worry, prioritization) after genetic counseling with or without test reporting.
• To determine which risk perception components predict improvements in sun-protection behavior one year later.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, nonrandomized study involved 114 individuals from melanoma-prone families undergoing genetic testing (n=69) or counseling only (n=45).
• Risk perception and sun-protection behaviors were assessed at baseline, post-counseling, and at 1 month and 1 year follow-ups.

Main Results:

• Factor analysis identified three risk components: perceived magnitude, worry, and priority.
• Melanoma genetic testing carriers showed increased perceived magnitude and priority of risk, but not worry.
• Among non-carriers, risk priority remained high, while magnitude and worry decreased.
• Higher risk priority uniquely predicted improved sun-protection behavior at one year.

Conclusions:

• Risk priority is a distinct component of risk perception, separate from magnitude and worry.
• Risk priority may be a key predictor of ongoing preventive behaviors.
• Elevated risk priority was sustained one year post-counseling only for individuals with a positive melanoma genetic test result.