Perceived Risks of Breast Cancer Lung Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease in Irish Women

Background: Despite widespread availability of risk information, many women hold inaccurate perceptions of their risk for developing breast cancer. It is important to prevent women who overestimate risk from undergoing excessive screening and preventive strategies, and to encourage those who underestimate to take appropriate health care behaviour.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess women perception of relative risk of breast cancer, lung cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Methods: Prospective cross-sectional survey was carried out Galway University Hospital. Participants were recruited between July and August 2013. Three study cohorts were included in this study, non-cancer patients, non-cancer volunteers and health care professionals. Perceived risk for cancer was assessed by asking subjects to rate their perceived likelihood of developing breast cancer in their lifetime. The baseline used population risk as 1:10 time for breast cancer, 1:3 for cardiovascular disease and 1:40 lung cancer risks.

Results: A total of 428 respondents filled designed questionnaires. There were no male respondents. 75(17.5%) were non cancer patients, 206(48.13%) volunteers and 105(24.53%) health care professionals. Mean age was 42.50 years (+/- 16.64). On univariate analysis family history of breast cancer (p < 0.001) was associated with high cancer risk perception. No association was found between high perceived risk of breast cancer and smoking, cardiovascular disease diabetes and level of education. Smokers on univariate analysis perceived that their risk of lung cancer is not higher than population risk. Multivariate analysis showed that family history (p < 0.001) is strongest confounder for overestimating risks of cancer.

Conclusions: Public health information is required to prevent women who overestimate risk from undergoing excessive screening and preventive strategies, and to encourage those who underestimate to take appropriate health care behaviour.