Perception of future risk of breast cancer and coronary heart disease in female undergraduates

Abstract

Women tend to overestimate their risk of breast cancer (BC) and underestimate their risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). Perceived risk of illness has been shown to influence health behavior practices. This study assessed the relationship between perceived future risk of BC and CHD and relevant cognitive/emotional and behavioral variables in a sample of 133 racially/ethnically diverse female undergraduates. Results indicate unrealistic pessimism regarding risk of BC among peers and unrealistic optimism regarding personal risk of CHD. When compared to CHD, participants were significantly more worried about getting BC but less aware of BC risks. Perceived CHD risk was associated with exercise and diet; perceived BC risk was not associated with breast self-exams. Health promotion efforts may need to vary based on target illness.

Keywords:

• Breast cancer
• coronary heart disease
• health behavior
• perceived risk
• pessimistic optimism
• unrealistic optimism

Acknowledgments

Funding support for this study was provided by Marymount College, Tarrytown, NY. The author wishes to thank Kelly Coffey, Milt Steinberg and Amy Buchan of Marymount College, and Laura Solomon of the University of Vermont for their assistance and support.