"Why Take It If You Don't Have Anything?" Breast Cancer Risk Perceptions and Prevention Choices at a Public Hospital

Abstract

Journal of General Internal MedicineVolume 21, Issue 7 p. A‐7-A‐7 Free Access “Why Take It If You Don't Have Anything?” Breast Cancer Risk Perceptions and Prevention Choices at a Public Hospital First published: 01 June 2006 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1525-1497.2006.00461_1.x Address correspondence and requests for reprints to Dr. Lauderdale: Department of Health Studies, University of Chicago, 5841 Maryland Ave., MC 2007, Chicago, IL 60637 (e-mail: lauderdale@health.bsd.uchicago.edu). AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onEmailFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Abstract We conducted semi-structured interviews with 33 women attending breast cancer risk counseling at a public hospital high risk clinic to elicit their understandings of their risk and their attitudes towards prevention. Women's views of risk differed from the medical model: many felt they were not “high risk” because they lacked signs and symptoms of cancer and some feared that “dwelling on” one's risk might lead to cancer. While screening was welcomed, taking tamoxifen to prevent cancer was generally seen as harmful and useful only as treatment. Physicians and researchers should recognize and address alternative ways that diverse patients understand risk. Volume21, Issue7July 2006Pages A‐7-A‐7 RelatedInformation