Exploring Perceptions of Cancer Risk, Neighborhood Environmental Risks, and Health Behaviors of Blacks

Abstract

Cancer risk perceptions and cancer worry are shaped by race/ethnicity, and social, economic, and environmental factors, which in turn shape health decision-making. A paucity of studies has explored risk perceptions and worry in metropolitan areas with disparate environmental conditions and cancer outcomes. This study examined perceptions of cancer risk, neighborhood environmental health risks, and risk-reducing health behaviors among Blacks. A 59-item survey was administered to respondents in Metropolitan Charleston, South Carolina from March to September 2013. A convenience sample of males and females was recruited at local venues and community events. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses (Chi square tests), and logistic regression models were estimated using SAS 9.3 software. Respondents (N = 405) were 100% Black, 81% female (n = 323), and ranged from 18 to 87 years of age (M = 49.55, SD = 15.27). Most respondents reported lower perceptions of cancer risk (37%) and equated their cancer beliefs to direct or indirect (i.e. personal or family) experiences. Low perceived cancer risk (absolute risk) was significantly associated (p < .05) with non-alcohol consumption, having a colon cancer screening test, being female, and being age 25-44 or 45-64. Cancer worry was significantly associated (p < .05) with being a current smoker, having a "fair" diet, non-alcohol consumption, and having any colon cancer screening test. Perceived cancer risk is an important indicator of health behaviors among Blacks. Direct or indirect experiences with cancer and/or the environment and awareness of family history of cancer may explain cancer risk perceptions.

Perceived Risk and Intentions to Practice Health Protective Behaviors in a Mining-Impacted Region

“…Age may play a role because a person's age is an indicator of how much experience he/she has with Pb contamination and whether they are likely to have young children [38,39]. Gender may influence behavior because women and children are more vulnerable to negative health outcomes from Pb exposure and might be more likely to practice health behaviors [40,41]. Affiliation with mining is likely relevant because several previous studies have linked involvement in livelihoods related to a polluting industry with lower perceived health risk [42,43].…”

Assessment of sociodemographic and geographic disparities in cancer risk from air toxics in South Carolina

“…SC is a state where communities of color and low-income populations experience a greater burden of exposure to several pollution sources, including air toxics, due to the spatial distribution of pollution-emitting hazards (Burwell et al 2013; Rice L et al 2014a, b; Svendsen et al 2014; Wilson et al 2012a, b; Wilson et al 2013). In our present study, we assess the impact of sociodemographic factors on estimated cancer risk associated with air toxics in SC with a specific focus on comparing differences in cancer risk in urban and rural areas.…”

Perception of Air and Water Pollution and Its Association With Cancer Risk Perception in a Region With High Cancer Mortality in Mexico. An Exploratory Study

“…This finding could indirectly suggest that people consider pollution as a cause of cancer. Others studies had shown that people consider air and water pollution as a cause of cancer when they are questioned directly about these this association (Rice et al 2015, Peretti-Watel et al 2016. The reasons that only water pollution was related could be explained by the fact that water is scarce in the studied region and hence more valued.…”