Cunningham SA, Yu R, Shih T, Giordano S, McNeill LH, Rechis R, Peterson SK, Cinciripini P, Foxhall L, Hawk E, Shete S. Cancer-Related Risk Perceptions and Beliefs in Texas: Findings from a 2018 Population-Level Survey.
Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2019;
28:486-494. [PMID:
30700446 DOI:
10.1158/1055-9965.epi-18-0846]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 09/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Cancer beliefs and perceptions of cancer risk affect the cancer continuum. Identifying underlying factors associated with these beliefs and perceptions in Texas can help inform and target prevention efforts.
METHODS
We developed a cancer-focused questionnaire and administered it online to a nonprobability sample of the Texas population. Weighted multivariable logistic regression analysis identified key factors associated with perceptions and beliefs about cancer.
RESULTS
The study population comprised 2,034 respondents (median age, 44.4 years) of diverse ethnicity: 45.5% were non-Hispanic white, 10.6% non-Hispanic black, and 35.7% Hispanic. Self-reported depression was significantly associated with cancer risk perceptions and cancer beliefs. Those indicating frequent and infrequent depression versus no depression were more likely to believe that: (i) compared to other people their age, they were more likely to get cancer in their lifetime [OR, 2.92; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.95-4.39 and OR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.17-2.74, respectively]; and (ii) when they think about cancer, they automatically think about death (OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.56-2.69 and OR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.11-1.92, respectively). Frequent depression versus no depression was also associated with agreement that (i) it seems like everything causes cancer (OR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.26-2.22) and (ii) there is not much one can do to lower one's chance of getting cancer (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.09-1.89). Other predictors for perceived cancer risk and/or cancer beliefs were sex, age, ethnicity/race, being born in the United States, marital status, income, body mass index, and smoking.
CONCLUSIONS
Depression and other predictors are associated with cancer risk perceptions and beliefs in Texas.
IMPACT
Increased attention to reducing depression may improve cancer risk perceptions and beliefs.
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