Study: Breast Cancer in Family May Deter Women From Mammograms

Women who have a family member with breast cancer may actually be less likely to get regular mammograms, according to a study conducted by a Bowling Green State University professor.

Dr. Saleh Rahman, an assistant professor of public and allied health, conducted a study of nearly 30,000 women to determine what factors influenced their behavior in following recommendations about regular mammography.

He found that educated white women with higher incomes and insurance coverage were the most likely to have regular mammograms, but women in their 40s with a family history of breast cancer were less likely to do so.

"I was surprised. I thought a family history of breast cancer would be a positive influence in whether they got mammograms, since it was considered a 'cue to action' in many behavioral studies. But fear can be a very significant factor," Rahman said.

"Human behavior is a very complex phenomenon," Rahman said. "I feel that if we can understand the factors that influence a woman's adherence to the recommendations, we may be able to have a positive effect on their decisions."

Other Sources: Bowling Green State University