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Estimation of Breast Cancer Risk by Women Aged 40 and Over: A Population-based Study

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Abstract

Objective: Identify factors associated with knowledge of breast cancer and estimation of risk.

Methods: Telephone survey of 412 women aged 40 and over, living in Montreal and selected by random digit dialing.

Results: The majority of the respondents had recently been exposed to some information on breast cancer, but only a third quoted the average lifetime probability estimate of about 1 in 10. Older individuals systematically considered themselves at low risk (odds ratio (OR) of perceiving risk as lower than average for women aged 50 or over versus under 50: 2.6, 95% confidence interval: (1.5,4.6)). In addition, both a firstdegree family history of breast cancer (OR: 5.3 (1.7,17.0)) and a recent mammogram (OR: 3.0 (1.4,6.2)) were strongly associated with a woman’s probability of perceiving herself at high risk.

Conclusions: Information campaigns should emphasize the frequency of breast cancer in different age groups and the strength of the established associations with specific risk factors. Better knowledge of risk could promote sustained participation in breast screening programs.

Résumé

Objectif: Identifier les facteurs associés à la connaissance du cancer du sein et à la perception du risque de cette maladie.

Méthode: Entrevue téléphonique auprès de 412 femmes âgées de 40 ans ou plus, résidant à Montréal et sélectionnées de façon aléatoire.

Résultats: La majorité des répondantes avaient été exposées récemment à de l’information concernant le cancer du sein, mais seulement le tiers d’entre elles connaissaient la probabilité moyenne de cette maladie au cours de la vie, environ 1 sur 10. Les femmes plus âgées se considéraient systématiquement à faible risque (rapport des cotes (OR) de se percevoir à faible risque pour celles de 50 ans ou plus versus celles de moins de 50 ans: 2,6, intervalle de confiance à 95 %: (1,5, 4,6)). De plus, une histoire de cancer du sein chez une parente au premier degré (OR: 5,3 (1,7, 17,0)) et une mammographie récente (OR: 3,0 (1,4, 6,2)) étaient fortement associées à la probabilité de se considérer à risque élevé.

Conclusions: Les campagnes d’information devraient faire connaître la fréquence du cancer du sein dans différents groupes d’âge et la force des associations démontrées avec des facteurs de risque spécifiques. Une meilleure connaissance du risque est susceptible de stimuler la participation soutenue au dépistage.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Direction de la santé publique, Régie régionale de la santé et des services sociaux de Montréal-Centre, 4835, avenue Christophe-Colomb, Montréal, Québec, H2J 3G8, Canada

    N. Hébert-Croteau PhD & P. Goggin MD

  2. Les associés de recherche EKOS, Ville St- Laurent, Québec, Canada

    N. Kishchuk PhD

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  1. N. Hébert-Croteau PhD
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  2. P. Goggin MD
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  3. N. Kishchuk PhD
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Correspondence to N. Hébert-Croteau PhD.

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Hébert-Croteau, N., Goggin, P. & Kishchuk, N. Estimation of Breast Cancer Risk by Women Aged 40 and Over: A Population-based Study. Can J Public Health 88, 392–396 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03403913

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03403913

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