title: Exploring perceptions of cancer risk, neighborhood environmental risks, and health behaviors of blacks.
abstract: Cancer risk perceptions and cancer worry are shaped by race/ethnicity, and social, economic, and environmental factors, which in turn shape health decision-making. A paucity of studies has explored risk perceptions and worry in metropolitan areas with disparate environmental conditions and cancer outcomes. This study examined perceptions of cancer risk, neighborhood environmental health risks, and risk-reducing health behaviors among Blacks. A 59-item survey was administered to respondents in Metropolitan Charleston, South Carolina from March to September 2013. A convenience sample of males and females was recruited at local venues and community events. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses (Chi square tests), and logistic regression models were estimated using SAS 9.3 software. Respondents (N = 405) were 100% Black, 81% female (n = 323), and ranged from 18 to 87 years of age (M = 49.55, SD = 15.27). Most respondents reported lower perceptions of cancer risk (37%) and equated their cancer beliefs to direct or indirect (i.e. personal or family) experiences. Low perceived cancer risk (absolute risk) was significantly associated (p < .05) with non-alcohol consumption, having a colon cancer screening test, being female, and being age 25-44 or 45-64. Cancer worry was significantly associated (p < .05) with being a current smoker, having a "fair" diet, non-alcohol consumption, and having any colon cancer screening test. Perceived cancer risk is an important indicator of health behaviors among Blacks. Direct or indirect experiences with cancer and/or the environment and awareness of family history of cancer may explain cancer risk perceptions.
authors.affiliation: Hollings Cancer Center, Center for Population Health and Outcomes, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, 68 President Street Suite BE 103, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA, ricela@musc.edu.
authors.forename: LaShanta J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Rice
authors.forename: Heather M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Brandt
authors.forename: James W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Hardin
authors.forename: Lucy Annang
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Ingram
authors.forename: Sacoby M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Wilson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology*; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D055088:Early Detection of Cancer; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior / Q000208:ethnology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000208:ethnology*; D010465:Perception; D012111:Residence Characteristics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013022:South Carolina / Q000208:ethnology; D055815:Young Adult