Lay representations of breast cancer.

Lay representations of breast cancer were assessed by questionnaire in 268 healthy women. Factor analysis indicates that women's explanations of causes of breast cancer fell into four categories; stress, misconceptions, personal and environmental hazards, and contact. In addition, three types of treatments; dietary, surgical and psychological were identified. Women who regularly perform breast self examination (BSE) endorsed the necessity of surgical and psychological treatments. Women who did not use BSE tended to be older and believed that stress was a causative factor. These findings are discussed with reference to treatment choices and BSE education