Racial Differences in Prevention Decision Making among Women at High Risk of Breast Cancer

• In Event: 2184 - Section on Medical Sociology Refereed Roundtable Session
  In Refereed Roundtable 60min: Table 13. The Illness Experience

Abstract

Prior research has documented significant racial disparities in adherence to breast cancer screening recommendations, use of breast-conserving surgery by early stage breast cancer patients, and breast cancer mortality. Decision making about breast cancer prevention options among high risk women has been less thoroughly studied, and racial differences remain mostly unexplored in this arena. The current study uses inductive analysis of 50 in-depth interviews with high risk African American and White women to explore prevention decision making from their own perspectives. Its core objective is to investigate the degree to which decision-making processes and outcomes differ across racial groups, and the specific content of these differences. High risk women’s narratives reveal a distinct difference between the contexts within which African American and White women engage in decision making about breast cancer prevention. African American women are less likely than White women to understand their specific risk of breast or ovarian cancer, to undergo genetic testing, and to know about prevention options that could lower the risk. They are also more likely to be coping with major health issues that take priority over cancer prevention, and to face financial constraints on health care decisions. These distinctions merit further investigation, and confirmation with larger samples. Ultimately, knowledge of such inter-group differences may contribute to tailored clinical, social, or policy interventions to support empowered and health-protective decision making among women at elevated risk.

Authors

• Tasleem Juana Padamsee, Ohio State University

• Anna V. Muraveva, Ohio State University

• Rachel Meadows, Ohio State University

• Megan Hils, Ohio State University

• Yee Lisa, City of Hope Medical Center

• Celia Wills, Ohio State University

• Electra Paskett, Ohio State University