Abstract 4452: Mother-daughter communication and breast cancer prevention knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors between Hispanic and non-Hispanic college women

Abstract

Abstract Background: Although breast cancer prevention programs focus primarily on women ages 40 and older, little is known about breast cancer prevention awareness among young women. Cancer communication is essential for early detection and treatment for Hispanic and non-Hispanic women. Data trends show Hispanic women are more likely to be diagnosed with more advanced stages of breast cancer at an early age. Aim: The purpose of this exploratory study is to examine mother-daughter communication and breast cancer prevention knowledge, attitudes, and breast self-examination (BSE) behaviors between Hispanic and non-Hispanic college women. Method: Using a cross sectional study design, a convenience sample of college women ages 18 and older were surveyed in Fall 2010 at a southwestern university. Survey items were developed using the Health Belief Model framework. An open-ended item was included to elicit descriptions of breast cancer prevention advice received from their mothers. Results: Self-reported data were obtained from 71 college women (44% Hispanic and 56% non-Hispanic) ages 18 to 49 with a mean age of 22.6 (SD = 5.6). Overall, 33% received mother-daughter communication about breast cancer prevention, 80% received a provider's recommendation to conduct BSE, and 62% conducted BSE. Nearly 74% knew someone with breast cancer. Bivariate analysis revealed no significant differences for mother-daughter communication, knowledge, and self-efficacy for breast cancer prevention. In content analysis, only non-Hispanic college women received advice from their mothers about modifiable risk factors for breast cancer prevention. Hispanic college women (84%) were more likely compared to non-Hispanic women (63%) to have friends who supported BSE (p=.023). In addition, Hispanic college women (61%) were more likely compared to non-Hispanic women (38%) to seek online breast cancer information (p=.023). Conclusion: Our preliminary findings support the need for college educational breast cancer prevention programs including risk factors. Future research is suggested with a larger sample size to validate findings as well as to explore Internet use to seek quality online health information with an emphasis on breast cancer prevention information. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4452. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-4452