Mammographic Breast Density as a Risk Factor for Breast Cancer: Awareness in a Recently Screened Clinical Sample

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 ex...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Women's health issues 2014-05, Vol.24 (3), p.e321-e326
Main Authors: O’Neill, Suzanne C., PhD, Leventhal, Kara Grace, BA, Scarles, Marie, BA, Evans, Chalanda N., BA, Makariou, Erini, MD, Pien, Edward, MD, Willey, Shawna, MD
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Aged
Awareness
Breast - pathology
Breast cancer
Breast Neoplasms - diagnostic imaging
Clinical standards
Cross-Sectional Studies
Density
District of Columbia
Female
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice - ethnology
Humans
Mammography
Mass Screening
Middle Aged
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Risk Factors
Risk perception
Socioeconomic Factors
Urban Population
Women
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Summary: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.
ISSN:1049-3867
1878-4321
DOI:10.1016/j.whi.2014.02.005