Study : 1 in 5 Women Will not Believe Have Breast Cancer Risk

Study : 1 in 5 Women Will not Believe Have Breast Cancer Risk

Knowing the risk of developing a disease is supposed to make a person more alert . However, results of recent studies have actually found that 1 in 5 women do not believe that she has breast cancer risk . This of course will increase the risk.

Studies conducted by the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center revealed that nearly 20 percent of women underestimate the risk of breast cancer . This condition is thought to arise because of the misunderstanding of genetic and lifestyle factors , such as Max Health News reported on Monday ( 08/19/2013 ) .

The findings , published in the journal Patient Education and Counseling is part of the research within the scope besat to find out how to increase the patient's understanding of information risk . The researchers conducted a survey of about 700 women who are considered at risk of developing breast cancer .

They were asked to complete a web-based survey that included questions about age , ethnicity , family history of breast cancer , and the number of first degree relatives with the disease . From the results of their answers in the survey , they were then told their risk for developing breast cancer over the next 5 years and information about prevention strategies .

Results showed that 22 percent of women said they did not agree with the figures given by risk researchers . Most argue that there is a history of breast cancer in the family and their lifestyle does not necessarily pose a risk to large enough numbers . One third of them also rely on instinct to believe that the numbers given on their risk seems too high .

" If people do not believe there is a risk to their bodies , then we can be sure they will not take precautions and appropriate medical decisions , " said Angela Fagerlin , professor of medicine at the University of Michigan Medical School and a research scientist at the VA Ann Arbor Center for Clinical Management Research .

According to Fagerlin , women who believe that the risk is too high they may be missed some precautions such as chemoprevention . Instead , they are aware of the risks certainly could have had a better treatment , even for the long term .

" We 've put so much information in the community about breast cancer so that they feel at risk , " said lead researcher , Laura D. Scherer .

Followed by Scherer , drugs or other treatments will not work well if the individual does not believe the condition of the risks that exist in their bodies .