Erika A Waters1,2, Marc T Kiviniemi3, Heather Orom3, Jennifer L Hay4. 1. Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA. waterse@wudosis.wustl.edu. 2. Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Campus Box 8100, 660 S. Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA. waterse@wudosis.wustl.edu. 3. State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA. 4. Memorial Sloan Kettering, New York, NY, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Many people report uncertainty about their cancer risk. We examined whether such uncertainty was related to cancer prevention and detection behaviors. METHODS: National Health Interview Survey data from 2005 to 2010 were analyzed. Participants reported their perceived risk for colorectal and breast cancers. Responses were coded as "valid" (i.e., less/as/more likely than average) or "don't know." RESULTS: In bivariate analyses for both cancer sites and survey years, "don't know" responders (DKR) engaged in less physical activity than "valid" responders (p < 0.05). DKR had lower mammography adherence than "valid" responders in 2005 and lower colorectal screening adherence in 2010 (p < 0.05). DKR had marginally lower colorectal screening adherence and fruit/vegetable consumption in 2005 (p < 0.06). Multivariable models indicated that the DKR-behavior relationship could be largely accounted for by education. CONCLUSION: Interventions that help people understand their cancer risk may provide particular benefit to people with low education and might consequently reduce health disparities.
BACKGROUND: Many people report uncertainty about their cancer risk. We examined whether such uncertainty was related to cancer prevention and detection behaviors. METHODS: National Health Interview Survey data from 2005 to 2010 were analyzed. Participants reported their perceived risk for colorectal and breast cancers. Responses were coded as "valid" (i.e., less/as/more likely than average) or "don't know." RESULTS: In bivariate analyses for both cancer sites and survey years, "don't know" responders (DKR) engaged in less physical activity than "valid" responders (p < 0.05). DKR had lower mammography adherence than "valid" responders in 2005 and lower colorectal screening adherence in 2010 (p < 0.05). DKR had marginally lower colorectal screening adherence and fruit/vegetable consumption in 2005 (p < 0.06). Multivariable models indicated that the DKR-behavior relationship could be largely accounted for by education. CONCLUSION: Interventions that help people understand their cancer risk may provide particular benefit to people with low education and might consequently reduce health disparities.
Entities:
Keywords:
Breast cancer; Colon cancer; Health disparities; Risk perception
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