title: Differences in head and neck cancer risk perception between smoking and nonsmoking NASCAR attendees.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Although research has documented a difference in cancer risk perception between smokers and nonsmokers, this has not been specifically documented for head and neck cancer. The aim of this study was to determine differences in risk perception for head and neck cancer between smokers and nonsmokers in an at-risk population.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional survey was administered.
  
  
  METHODS
  Community-based head and neck cancer screenings.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants completed a 28-item questionnaire assessing sociodemographic information, smoking status, and risk perception of head and neck cancer.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In total, 507 participants completed the questionnaire. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANCOVA) using dependent variables related to risk perception of head and neck cancer evidenced a significant main effect that smokers (mean [SD], 1.10 [0.07]) worried about head and neck cancer significantly more than nonsmokers (0.64 [0.06]), F(1, 459) = 26.97, P < .001, η(2) = .06, and nonsmokers (2.70 [0.05]) believed head and neck cancer was significantly more dangerous than did smokers (2.53 [0.06]), F(1, 459) = 5.90, P = .015, η(2) = .01.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Findings indicated differences in perception of risk for head and neck cancer between smokers and nonsmokers. By gaining a better understanding of the psychosocial factors related to perceived risk of head and neck cancer, otolaryngologists and health care providers may better tailor interventions aimed at increasing awareness of cancer risk and promoting cessation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30308, USA.
authors.forename: Laura J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: White
authors.forename: Anthony L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Chin-Quee
authors.forename: Carla J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Berg
authors.forename: Justin C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Wise
authors.forename: Edie R
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Hapner
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012306:Risk; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D013177:Sports; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult