"I don't know" My Cancer Risk: Implications for Health Behavior Engagement.

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/vege

SUBMITTER: Waters EA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5010525 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature