Perceived risk of breast cancer among Latinas attending community clinics: risk comprehension and relationship with mammography adherence

Abstract

Objective To describe breast cancer risk perceptions, determine risk comprehension, and evaluate mammography adherence among Latinas. Methods Latina women age ≥ 35, primarily from Central and South America, were recruited from community-based clinics to complete in-person interviews (n=450). Risk comprehension was calculated as the difference between numeric perceived risk and Gail risk score. Based on recommended guidelines from the year data were collected (2002), mammography adherence was defined as having a mammogram every one to two years for women ≥ 40 years of age. Results Breast cancer risk comprehension was low, as 81% of women overestimated their risk and only 6.9% of women were high risk based on Gail risk scores. Greater cancer worry and younger age were significantly associated with greater perceived risk and risk overestimation. Of women age eligible for mammography (n = 328), 29.0% were non-adherent to screening guidelines. Adherence was associated with older age, (OR = 2.99, 95% CI = 1.76 – 5.09), having insurance (OR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.03 – 3.17), greater acculturation (OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.02 – 1.36), and higher breast cancer knowledge (OR = 2.03, 95% CI = 1.21 – 3.40). Conclusions While most Latinas over-estimated their breast cancer risk, older age, having insurance, being more acculturated, and having greater knowledge were associated with greater screening adherence in this Latino population. Perceived risk, risk comprehension, and cancer worry were not associated with adherence. In Latinas, screening interventions should emphasize knowledge and target education efforts at younger, uninsured, and less acculturated mammography-eligible women.

Willingness to accept preventive bilateral mastectomy among women in rural and urban communities in South-Western Nigeria

“…Other studies have affirmed this position. [19][20][21] The decision to remove the breast through preventive bilateral mastectomy among the high risk individuals has cosmetic, social, cultural and spiritual implications because it is a unique organ by virtue of its anatomical location, physiological role, role in sexuality, sociocultural and even spiritual function. 3,4 Despite outstanding benefit of preventive bilateral mastectomy, the procedure has its attendant consequences as women who have had removal of both breasts experienced varying degree of psychological effects and consequences on their feminine personality.…”

Adherence to a Breast Cancer Screening Program and Its Predictors in Underserved Women in Southern Brazil

“…Conversely, studies in specific populations showed conflicting results: whereas Schumacher et al have found similar factors for worst adherence in American Indian and Alaska native people (6), Graves et al did not observe any association between the aforementioned factors and screening adherence in a sample of 328 Latinas living in the United States (12).…”

Are Health-care Relationships Important for Mammography Adherence in Latinas?

“…Perceived risk was assessed with one question that we used previously with Latinas, which asked women to report the likelihood that they would get breast cancer (definitely, very likely, somewhat likely, not likely, or unsure). 56 Subjective norms and attitudes included reported experiences of healthcare discrimination and perceptions of racism. Both items were previously validated in the African-American population, and to our knowledge, this was their first use among Latinos.…”