Few Women Perceive Breast Density as Cancer Risk Factor

Most women perceive family history as the greatest risk factor for breast cancer, according to a study published in JAMA Network Open. Nancy R. Kressin, PhD, and colleagues assessed women’s perception of breast density compared with five other breast cancer risk factors and their understanding of risk reduction. The analysis was based on responses from 2,306 women aged 40-76 who completed a telephone survey. One-half of respondents thought breast density is a greater risk than not having children (52%), having more than one alcoholic drink per day (53%), or having a prior breast biopsy (48%). Most respondents thought breast density was a lesser risk than having a first-degree relative with breast cancer (93%) or having overweight or
obesity (65%). Only 10% of respondents identified breast density as contributing to breast cancer risk, and 28% stated they did not know whether it was possible to reduce their breast cancer risk. “Comprehensive education about breast cancer risks and prevention strategies is needed,” Dr. Kressin and colleagues wrote.