Predictors of cancer worry following mammography in younger women on a family history breast screening programme [Abstract]

Background: Previous reports of this prospective study highlight the psychological benefits of a breast screening programme for younger women with a family history of breast cancer. The present paper identified risk factors for cancer worry in these women. Methods: 1286 women completed questionnaires one month prior to screening (T1), and one (T2)and six (T3) months after screening results. Breast cancer worry, perceived risk, cognitive appraisals, coping, and dispositional optimism were measured. Findings: T1 cancer worry explained 56/61% and 54/57% of the variance in worry at T2 and T3 respectively. Other salient predictors included high perceived risk of breast cancer, appraisals of high relevance and threat associated with the family history, and low perceived ability to cope emotionally. A false positive screening result, pessimistic personality, and religion/substance use coping predicted outcomes at T2 but not T3. Discussion: Interventions to ameliorate high levels of cancer worry and negative appraisals are needed