Enhancing Positive Reactions to Breast Cancer Risk Appraisal

摘要

Breast cancer screening is currently the most reasonable strategy for reducing the impact of breast cancer on women. However, increased perceived risk and psychological distress have been associated with lower screening rates. The specific aims for this study were to: (1) assess the psychological distress of women ages 50 to 85 who receive breast cancer risk appraisal and randomization to immediate or delayed group psychosocial counseling; (2) assess their breast cancer screening behaviors over 2 years from the time of enrollment; (3) evaluate the degree of association between perceived and estimated risk of breast cancer; (4) describe short-term psychological reactions to breast cancer risk appraisal; and (5) describe their sense of coherence, coping style, other health-related behaviors, social support, and perceived quality of life. This study was conducted to provide important information about women's reactions to breast cancer risk appraisal and ways to enhance positive health behaviors. A total of 343 women participated in the study (mean age, 62 years). Each participant completed a breast cancer risk assessment form and received an estimate of their risk. Participants were randomized to either an immediate or delayed psychosocial counseling intervention on breast health. Results of the intervention showed largely non-significant changes in psychological distress and breast cancer screening behaviors (p>O.05). Further analyses will be conducted to provide more detail about these unexpected findings.