Physical symptoms, distress, and breast cancer risk perceptions in women with benign breast problems.

Abstract

Physical symptoms, general and breast cancer-specific distress, and perceived breast cancer risk were assessed in 66 women with benign breast problems (BBP) and 66 age-matched healthy comparison (HC) women. BBP women reported significantly greater worry about breast cancer than HC women. Breast symptom incidence and breast cancer risk perceptions were found to mediate group differences in breast cancer worry. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that perceptions of control over a potential breast cancer prognosis moderate the impact of breast symptoms on reports of breast cancer worry. Implications for risk counseling with BBP women are discussed.

• Authors: L L Cunningham, M A Andrykowski, J F Wilson, P C McGrath, D A Sloan, D E Kenady
• Journal: Health psychology : official journal of the Division of Health Psychology, American Psychological Association (Health Psychol) Vol. 17 Issue 4 Pg. 371-5 (Jul 1998) ISSN: 0278-6133 [Print] United States
• PMID: 9697947 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.)

Topics

• Adult
• Anxiety (psychology)
• Biopsy, Needle
• Breast Neoplasms (pathology, psychology)
• Depression (psychology)
• Female
• Fibrocystic Breast Disease (pathology, psychology)
• Humans
• Internal-External Control
• Middle Aged
• Personality Inventory
• Precancerous Conditions (pathology, psychology)
• Risk Assessment
• Sick Role