Women's expectations about seeking care for breast cancer symptoms

Expectations about a particular health behavior can influence whether a person engages in that behavior. This study was conducted to identify women's expectations about seeking or not seeking prompt care for breast cancer symptoms. Guided by theory, interview questions elicited expected outcomes, advantages, and disadvantages of promptly seeking care or of adopting a "wait and see" approach. Forty participants between the ages of 26 and 73 who had no history of breast cancer were interviewed. Responses were categorized according to common themes. Outcomes and advantages of seeking care included receiving a diagnosis or treatment, as well as reassurance and knowledge; disadvantages included financial costs and undesirable interactions with physicians. Outcomes and disadvantages of waiting included a worsened condition and a lower chance of survival; advantages included financial savings and possible resolution of the condition.