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Breast cancer worry and screening: some prospective data
K D McCaul1, D M Schroeder, P A Reid
1Department of Psychology, North Dakota State University, Fargo 58105, USA. mccaul@badlands.nodak.edu
Summary
Women with higher breast cancer concerns were more likely to undergo screening. This suggests that worry about breast cancer motivates women to take protective actions, rather than inhibiting them.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Behavioral Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Breast cancer remains a significant health concern for women.
- Understanding factors influencing screening behavior is crucial for early detection.
- Previous assumptions suggested worry might deter screening.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between breast cancer concerns and screening behaviors.
- To determine if higher levels of concern correlate with increased screening participation.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 353 women aged 40-75 from North Dakota was surveyed.
- Participants' breast cancer concerns were assessed.
- Screening behaviors (breast self-examination, mammography, clinical breast examination) were evaluated one year later.
Main Results:
- Increased concern about breast cancer was associated with a higher likelihood of performing breast self-examination.
- Higher concern levels correlated with increased mammography screening rates.
- Women with greater breast cancer concerns were more likely to have clinical breast examinations.
Conclusions:
- The study suggests that nonpathological worry about breast cancer acts as a motivator for self-protective behaviors.
- Findings challenge the notion that worry inhibits health-related actions.
- Elevated concern can positively influence proactive breast cancer screening.