Abstract
Background
Breast density is an established, independent risk factor for breast cancer. Despite
this, density has not been included in standard risk models or routinely disclosed
to patients. However, this is changing in the face of legal mandates and advocacy
efforts. Little information exists regarding women's awareness of density as a risk
factor, their personal risk, and risk management options.
Methods
We assessed awareness of density as a risk factor and whether sociodemographic variables,
breast cancer risk factors. and perceived breast cancer risk were associated with
awareness in 344 women with a recent screening mammogram at a tertiary care center.
Findings
Overall, 62% of women had heard about density as a risk factor and 33% had spoken
to a provider about breast density. Of the sample, 18% reported that their provider
indicated that they had high breast density. Awareness of density as a risk factor
was greater among White women and those with other breast cancer risk factors.
Conclusion
Our results suggest that although a growing number of women are aware of breast density
as a risk factor, this awareness varies. Growing mandates for disclosure suggest the
need for patient education interventions for women at increased risk for the disease
and to ensure all women are equally aware of their risks.
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Biography
Suzanne C. O’Neill, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Oncology at Georgetown University.
Biography
Kara Grace Leventhal, BA, is a Medical Student at Georgetown University School of Medicine.
Biography
Marie Scarles, BA, is a Research Assistant at Georgetown University.
Biography
Chalanda N. Evans, BA, is a Research Assistant at Georgetown University.
Biography
Erini Makariou, MD, is Associate Professor of Radiology and Chief of Breast Imaging at Georgetown University.
Biography
Edward Pien, MD, is Associate Professor of Radiology and Chief of Diagnostic Imaging at Georgetown University.
Biography
Shawna Willey, MD, is Associate Professor of Surgery, Division Chief of Breast Surgery, and Director of the Betty Lou Ourisman Breast Health Center at Georgetown University.
Article info
Publication history
Published online: April 11, 2014
Accepted:
February 4,
2014
Received in revised form:
January 31,
2014
Received:
November 21,
2013
Footnotes
Funding Disclosure: This study was supported by a grant from the Prevent Cancer Foundation. Manuscript preparation was supported, in part, by MRSG-10-110-01-CPPB (SCO). The project was supported, in part, by Award Number P30CA051008 from the National Cancer Institute. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Cancer Institute or the National Institutes of Health.
Identification
Copyright
© 2014 Jacobs Institute of Women's Health. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
