Early detection of breast cancer: The role of risk perception and family history

Background: Breast cancer is the neoplasm with the highest mortality rates among Brazilian women. Family history plays an important role in tracking the illness because its analysis reveals possible genetic risks. Objective: The aim of this study is to compare the risk perception and self-care for breast cancer among healthy women with and without family history. Method: The study included 211 women (mean age = 59.11 years, SD = 8.54) of which 55 (26.4%) had a family history of the illness. The instruments used were a sociodemographic and health behavior questionnaire and a risk perception questionnaire. Results and Conclusions: The results showed no significant differences in risk perception and self-care behavior among women with and without breast cancer history, signaling the need of guidelines for psychologists to act in breast cancer prevention among women with a family history, encompassing understanding of the risk factors and causes of the illness as well as women’s responsibility in tracking.