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Exploring Perceptions of Cancer Risk, Neighborhood Environmental Risks, and Health Behaviors of Blacks

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Abstract

Cancer risk perceptions and cancer worry are shaped by race/ethnicity, and social, economic, and environmental factors, which in turn shape health decision-making. A paucity of studies has explored risk perceptions and worry in metropolitan areas with disparate environmental conditions and cancer outcomes. This study examined perceptions of cancer risk, neighborhood environmental health risks, and risk-reducing health behaviors among Blacks. A 59-item survey was administered to respondents in Metropolitan Charleston, South Carolina from March to September 2013. A convenience sample of males and females was recruited at local venues and community events. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses (Chi square tests), and logistic regression models were estimated using SAS 9.3 software. Respondents (N = 405) were 100 % Black, 81 % female (n = 323), and ranged from 18 to 87 years of age (M = 49.55, SD = 15.27). Most respondents reported lower perceptions of cancer risk (37 %) and equated their cancer beliefs to direct or indirect (i.e. personal or family) experiences. Low perceived cancer risk (absolute risk) was significantly associated (p < .05) with non-alcohol consumption, having a colon cancer screening test, being female, and being age 25–44 or 45–64. Cancer worry was significantly associated (p < .05) with being a current smoker, having a “fair” diet, non-alcohol consumption, and having any colon cancer screening test. Perceived cancer risk is an important indicator of health behaviors among Blacks. Direct or indirect experiences with cancer and/or the environment and awareness of family history of cancer may explain cancer risk perceptions.

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Acknowledgments

The project described was supported by Environmental Protection Agency Science to Achieve Results (EPA STAR) Fellowship (Grant No. FP91727901-0) and the Environmental Health Core (Grant No. 3P20MD001770-07S1) supplement to the Coordinating Center of Excellence in the Social Promotion of Health Equity through Research, Education, and Community Engagement (CCE-SPHERE) from the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities. The authors would like to acknowledge the Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior at the University of South Carolina. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the Environmental Protection Agency, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, or the National Institutes of Health.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Hollings Cancer Center, Center for Population Health and Outcomes, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, 68 President Street Suite BE 103, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA

    LaShanta J. Rice

  2. Statewide Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street Room 230, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA

    Heather M. Brandt

  3. Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 948 Greene Street Room 445, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA

    James W. Hardin

  4. Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street Room 529, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA

    Lucy Annang Ingram

  5. Maryland Institute for Applied Environmental Health, 2234 School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA

    Sacoby M. Wilson

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  1. LaShanta J. Rice
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Correspondence to LaShanta J. Rice.

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Rice, L.J., Brandt, H.M., Hardin, J.W. et al. Exploring Perceptions of Cancer Risk, Neighborhood Environmental Risks, and Health Behaviors of Blacks. J Community Health 40, 419–430 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-014-9952-5

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