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Risk perception and cancer worries in families at increased risk of familial breast/ovarian cancer
Author(s) -
Mellon Suzanne,
Gold Robin,
Janisse James,
Cichon Michelle,
Tainsky Michael A.,
Simon Michael S.,
Korczak Jeannette
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
psycho‐oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.41
H-Index - 137
eISSN - 1099-1611
pISSN - 1057-9249
DOI - 10.1002/pon.1370
Subject(s) - breast cancer , risk perception , ovarian cancer , medicine , cancer , oncology , perception , gynecology , obstetrics , psychology , neuroscience
While families at increased risk for familial breast/ovarian cancer continue to overestimate their cancer risk with increased cancer worries about the future, few studies have examined factors that affect inherited cancer risk perception and cancer worries in both survivors and unaffected female relatives. The purpose of this study was to examine variables that may affect cancer worries and risk perceptions from a family‐based perspective in a racially diverse, community‐based, random sample of 146 dyads consisting of adult female breast and/or ovarian cancer survivors and their unaffected female relatives ( N =292). Results indicated that coping style, self‐efficacy, partner's income, family role relationship, and cancer risk perception were significant contributors to the survivors' and their unaffected relatives' cancer worries. Significant variables for perception of cancer risk for both survivors and relatives included income, race, family history of cancer, and cancer worries. Relatives had a higher perception of cancer risk, whereas survivors had more cancer worries. Additionally, the level of cancer worries reported by one member of the dyad was related to the amount of worries reported by the other. The results from this study underscore the importance of clinicians addressing concerns of both affected and unaffected members of families at increased risk of cancer to assist them in managing cancer worries and having realistic risk appraisals to make informed decisions about their own and their family's health surveillance options. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.