Abstract A90: Ethnic differences in cancer worry following an abnormal mammogram result: The roles of risk perception and follow-up care beliefs.
Authors: Molina Yamile , Ko Linda K. , Thompson Beti , Beresford Shirley A.A. 
Published: August 2014

Purpose: Abnormal mammogram results can lead to elevated psychological distress, which has been shown to impede and delay adherence to follow-up care recommendations. Latinas exhibit greater psychological distress following receipt of abnormal mammogram results as well as are less likely to receive and more likely to delay recommended follow-up care than non-Latina White counterparts. Latinas may believe they are at greater risk for breast cancer and be more likely to associate the need for follow-up care with breast abnormalities due to cultural beliefs. Little research to date has addressed these factors among women with abnormal mammogram results and less work has related them to cancer disparities.

Objective: For this study, we provide preliminary findings regarding ethnic differences in 1) perceived cancer risk; 2) risk factors; and 3) beliefs concerning follow-up care.

Methods: For this multi-site study, we recruited a convenience sample of Latinas and a size-matched sample of non-Latina White women who have recently received an abnormal mammogram. Qualitative, semi-structured interviews allowed for assessment of perceived cancer risk (high versus low/none), associated risk factors as well as included items regarding follow-up care (“What do you think follow-up appointments are for?”). Data were analyzed using principles of grounded theory.

Results: Latinas were more likely to be worried about cancer than White women (86% vs. 12.5%). Latinas and White women identified age, general health, health behaviors (e.g., smoking, diet), and family history of cancer as factors contributing to their perceived cancer risk. Importantly, Latinas were more likely to attribute these to higher cancer risk (e.g., bad eating habits), whereas White women utilized these domains to perceive low risk (e.g., no family history). Additionally, some Latinas perceived other behaviors (e.g., adultery) to contribute to their risk due to spiritual beliefs. Latinas were more likely to perceive follow-up care to be needed because mammograms revealed abnormalities. White women were more likely to attribute follow-up care recommendations due to technical problems during initial mammography appointments.

Conclusions: Preliminary evidence suggests Latinas perceive themselves to be at greater risk when they receive abnormal mammogram results than their White counterparts. Greater risk perception appears to be related to perception of shared and unique risk factors as well as beliefs concerning follow-up care recommendations. Future interventions should address how ethnic differences in cancer risk perception contribute to follow-up care adherence as well as identify strategies to reduce overestimated risk perception among Latinas who receive an abnormal cancer screening result.

Citation Format: Yamile Molina, Linda K. Ko, Beti Thompson, Shirley A.A. Beresford. Ethnic differences in cancer worry following an abnormal mammogram result: The roles of risk perception and follow-up care beliefs. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Fifth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2012 Oct 27-30; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2012;21(10 Suppl):Abstract nr A90.