title: Physical activity and awareness in breast screening attendees in Black Country, UK.
abstract: This study aimed to determine the physical activity levels and awareness of the influence of physical activity and overweight/obesity on breast cancer risk among NHS breast screening programme (NHSBSP) attendees. One hundred and eighty-eight (white British = 95%; post-menopausal = 80%) attendees completed a demographic and anthropometric data questionnaire, International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and awareness of breast cancer risk factors questionnaire. IPAQ data were reported as continuous measures (MET-min · week(-1)) and as categorical variables (low, moderate and high activities). The highest median physical activity levels were reported in the domestic physical activity domain (756 MET-min · week(-1)). Most participants were categorized as 'moderately active' (45%), while 30% were classified in the 'high activity' and 25% as 'low activity' categories. Almost a third of participants (30%) reported no leisure-time physical activity and 83% reported no vigorous physical activity. There was high awareness of the effects of physical activity (75%) and obesity (80%) on breast cancer risk. No significant differences were found between physical activity categories and awareness that physical activity can reduce breast cancer risk (p > 0.05). However, compared with moderate and high activity categories, participants in the 'low activity' category were significantly more likely to respond that they thought they achieved recommended physical activity levels (p < 0.05). Participants who are unaware of their inadequate physical activity levels may have a less positive intention to increase physical activity levels. Practical strategies aimed to increase knowledge of the recommended physical activity guidelines and facilitate the achievement of these guidelines may be required for NHSBSP attendees.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health, Education and Well-being, University of Wolverhampton, Walsall, West Midlands, UK.
authors.forename: Ian M
authors.initials: IM
authors.lastname: Lahart
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley, West Midlands, UK.
authors.forename: Claire
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Reichl
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health, Education and Well-being, University of Wolverhampton, Walsall, West Midlands, UK.
authors.forename: George S
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Metsios
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health, Education and Well-being, University of Wolverhampton, Walsall, West Midlands, UK.
authors.forename: Alan M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Nevill
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley, West Midlands, UK.
authors.forename: Amtul R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Carmichael
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001364:Awareness; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D055088:Early Detection of Cancer; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications*; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom
keywords: breast screening; obesity; physical activities