Abstract P1-09-15: Perception of breast cancer risk in an underinsured safety net population
Authors: Komenaka IK , Wikholm L , Hsu C-H , Wells K , Bouton ME , Thompson PA , Schwab R , Nodora J , Martinez ME 
Published: August 2014

Background: Patient perception of breast cancer risk can affect compliance with screening mammography. In an underinsured population, we have previously found that being insured and adequate health literacy were strong predictors of use of screening mammography. Previous studies in other populations have found that patients with heighted perceived risk also have increased use of screening. Previous studies have found an average perceived risk of 30%. “Risk” and risk assessment are difficult concepts for many people and this may be problematic in undereducated populations. The current study was performed to evaluate women's perception of their lifetime risk of breast cancer in a safety net population.

Methods: From May 2012 to May 2013, all patients seen at a safety net Breast Clinic were asked to estimate their lifetime risk of breast cancer. “If 0 = no chance and 100% = for sure, what are your chances of getting breast cancer in your life?” Sociodemographic, clinical, and treatment variables were collected. Univariate analysis was performed to identify variables which were associated with picture choice. All of the variables with a p-value &lt;0.10 were included in the multivariate analysis.

Results: 1,089 consecutive patients were seen. After exclusion of men and patients known to have breast cancer, 838 patients were included. The mean age was 43 years. 93% of the patients were uninsured or insured with Medicaid. Average education 10 years and 17% were non-Hispanic White (NHW). Overall the average perceived lifetime risk for the population was 29.7%. For all patients age 35 years+, the average Gail model Risk Assessment scores were 1.1% (5 year) and 9% (LT). Only 17% of patients would be considered at increased risk according to Gail model 5 year risk (&gt; 1.6%).

In univariate analysis, continuous variables associated with higher perceived risk were higher BMI (p = 0.003), more years of education (p = 0.0009), and higher 5 year Gail model score (p = 0.0005). Categorical variables associated with higher perceived lifetime risk were being insured (34% vs 27%; p = 0.004) and NonHispanic patients (34% vs 27%; p = 0.003). Adequate health literacy (38% vs 27%; p = 0.0001) and family history of breast cancer in a first degree relative (FDR; 43% vs 27%; p = 0.0001) were the variables with the strongest association with perceived risk. In multivariate analysis after adjustment for the above factors, only family history in FDR remained significant (p = 0.003).

Over a similar time period, being insured (OR 1.52; 95% CI 1.18 – 1.95; p = 0.001) and adequate health literacy (OR 3.75; 95% CI 2.71 – 5.19; p &lt; 0.0001) were the only variables significantly associated with the use of screening mammography.

Conclusions: Underinsured, minority women overestimate their lifetime risk of breast cancer (30%) at a magnitude similar to other populations. Family history has a strong influence on an underinsured populations’ perception of breast cancer risk. Patients who were insured or had adequate health literacy perceived a higher lifetime risk of breast cancer and were significantly more likely to use screening mammography.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P1-09-15.