Women's perceptions and attitudes regarding susceptibility to and prevention of breast cancer based on genetic testing

This study examined women's attitudes and perceptions about breast cancer genetics and behavioral intents when considering preventive strategies for breast cancer. The participants were 100 women, of undetermined breast cancer status, in a large metropolitan area of the United Statues, who completed a self-administered survey with both single and multi-response format. The survey addressed demographic data, familial history of breast caner, genetic testing, and preventive practices. The demographic categories of age (n=21 to 54), ethnicity, marital status, and occupation had significance, in regards to women's perceived risk for breast cancer, attitudes about genetic testing, and treatment options in the event of a positive determination of breast cancer. The implication for health educators is for design of primary prevention information to improve decision making for women.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science

Level thesis:degree_level

Master

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Health Studies

Grantor

Texas Woman's University

Year dc:date.issued

2002

Author dc:creator

• Holloway-Snider, Susan

Chair dc:contributor.committeechair

• Ward, Susan E.

Committee member dc:contributor.committeemember

• Oomen-Early, Jody S.

• Breast cancer
• Health knowledge
• Cancer prevention
• Genetic testing

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11274/9583

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:twu-ir.tdl.org:11274/9583