Factors related to the use of cancer early detection techniques

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship of certain variables to the use of early detection of cancer techniques in a socioeconomically homogeneous, largely white, employed middle class population with access to a personal physician. Five hundred and forty-three teachers and administrators in two suburban Rochester school districts were surveyed to collect information on sociodemographic variables, health care variables (health status, source of health care, use of early detection techniques, “preventive orientation” of physician, satisfaction with care), and other attitudes and beliefs including some based on the Health Belief Model. Almost all of the population had personal physicians: 56% reported checkups at least annually and 40% of the women practiced BSE at least monthly. Both frequency of checkups and BSE practice were related to the “preventive orientation” of the physician, to satisfaction with care, and to the belief in the benefit-cost ratio of checkups. In addition, increased frequency of checkups was related to sex (female), higher income, and perceived accessibility of care; increased frequency of BSE was related to greater health concern and to the belief that women can detect breast lumps better than physicians. The results suggest that, in individuals with personal physicians, an important determinant of the use of early detection techniques for cancer may be the quality of the physician-patient relationship, including demonstration of the physician's concern with the importance of early detection.