Breast Cancer Awareness

Survey Reveals Misinformation

While awareness of breast cancer is high, a survey by the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) reveals potentially critical knowledge gaps among American women and a sense of urgency about the nature of progress required in the research and treatment of breast cancer, which is expected to claim the lives of some 40,000 women in the U.S. this year.

This important survey shows that breast cancer is a top-of-mind issue for American women. However, awareness does not always translate to knowledge that leads to smart choices, and women clearly are expressing the desire to see a more profound change in America's approach to the disease. As the Presidential candidates introduce their health care plans, it's absolutely essential that they define specific approaches to breast cancer that can more meaningfully change outcome.

The survey sponsored by NBCC was fielded in August by Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates, and includes responses from 1,004 women over the age of eighteen. Here are the survey results:

Awareness - But Misinformation

The survey revealed that 76% of the respondents consider themselves knowledgeable about breast cancer. In addition 61% of the respondents reported having recently heard or read something about breast cancer. Despite these statistics, the survey shows that awareness is not translating into knowledge.

A majority of respondents (56%) believe that most breast cancers occur among women with a family history or a genetic predisposition to the disease. The reality is that over two thirds of women diagnosed have no known risk factor. Even though having an inherited mutation in certain genes is the most potent risk factor, the National Cancer Institute states: "these genes are rare in the general population and are estimated to account for no more than 5% to 10% of breast and ovarian cancer cases overall." (1)

When asked the question, "Where do you think the most progress has been made in the fight against breast cancer?" the most frequent response (39% overall) was "awareness about how to self-detect breast cancer." These women are convinced that breast self-examination is an effective early detection method. Yet, research has shown that breast self-examinations do not reduce deaths due to breast cancer, greatly increase the number of benign lumps detected, resulting in increased anxiety, physician visits, and unnecessary biopsies. According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, "the evidence is insufficient to recommend for or against teaching or performing routine breast self-examination." (2)

The study found that misinformation abounds about how best to prevent breast cancer. For instance, 78% of those respondents age 18-24 wishfully assume that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables has a significant prophylactic effect. The most recent studies have found no significant decrease in breast cancer incidence when vegetable and fruit consumption was increased. (3)

Additional survey results show that women, particularly those over 50, felt that very limited progress had been made in reducing deaths due to breast cancer. Looking forward, 44% of women in this age group expressed doubt that prevention will be found in their lifetime but 86% were confident it will be found in their children's lifetime.

Also, younger women were keenly interested in prevention, more so than their mothers and grandmothers, with 53% of the respondent's age 18-24 maintaining that emphasis should be placed on prevention. Older respondents (46% of those 50 or older) prefer the focus to be on more effective treatments.

While women view the federal government as the best choice for funding breast cancer research, only 8% of those questioned are aware of government-funded breast cancer research. However, some public health messages do get through: 80% of the survey respondents knew that taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) increases breast cancer risk, information originating from a 2002 National Institute of Health (Women's Health Initiative) report.

Amid a Sea of Pink, Deeper Shades of Concern

Survey respondents revealed that women want to make a personal statement against breast cancer, although many had misgivings about the effectiveness of their actions. Some 59% of respondents said they had purchased or worn a pink ribbon -- yet only 36% believe that it is a very important activity in the fight against breast cancer. By contrast, 96% of the respondents felt that contributing to a breast cancer related charity was important (very or somewhat). In addition, 82% said it was important to contact an elected official about breast cancer legislation.

"The time has come for consumers to take the next step beyond pink ribbons and products," said Fran Visco. "Popular efforts to raise breast cancer awareness lull the public into complacency; into a false sense that adequate progress is being made against this disease. We urge women and men nationwide to join us in our work to improve research, diagnosis and treatment and ultimately end this disease forever. One way to get involved is to visit NBCC's new Breast Cancer Caucus website, to see the videos and statements from presidential candidates. Breast cancer is an important issue in the campaign and our website is a valuable resource for voters in making their decisions."

The National Breast Cancer Coalition is a grassroots membership organization dedicated to ending breast cancer through the power of action and advocacy. Along with its research and education arm the National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund, the Coalition's main goals are to increase federal funding for breast cancer research; improve access to high-quality health care and breast cancer clinical trials for all women; and expand the influence of breast cancer advocates wherever breast cancer decisions are made. Click here for more information about NBCC see www.natlbcc.org and www.stopbreastcancer.org

Footnotes

Kelsey JL, Gammon MD, John EM. "Reproductive Factors and Breast Cancer." Epidemiol Rev 1993; 15:36-47; National Cancer Institute, "Genetics of Breast and Ovarian Cancer," PDQ®, 2007.
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, Screening for Breast Cancer. Systemic Evidence Review. 2002.
Prentice RL, Caan B. Chlebowski RT et al. "Low-Fat Dietary Pattern and Risk of Invasive Breast Cancer: The Women's Health Initiative Randomized Controlled Dietary Modification Trial." JAMA 2006 295 (6): 629-42.

Dear Neighbors,

I attended the "Fighting Breast Cancer With Your Fork" class at the Randalls on Gattis School Road. It was excellent. I learned that the vegetable broth I've been buying has half the nutrients of another one that's also 70 cents cheaper. I thought I was so savvy about all this stuff but learned otherwise today.

The Randalls nutritionist, Lori Valencic, does a wonderful job of educating and giving a balanced presentation. I didn't realize that programs are held every month. I highly recommend these free informal classes. You will get all sorts of special coupons and each store tour is tailored to the class topic. Please share this information with your friends!

Better-for-You Holiday Desserts

Learn to shop for and create healthful holiday desserts from fruit cobbler to decadent chocolate treats. Recipes included.

November 5, Monday, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Randalls, 10900 Research Blvd. Austin. 512-342-4250

November 5, Monday, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Randalls, 2051 Gattis School Rd. Round Rock. 512-246-0390

Holiday Foods & Food Gifts

Hear how to make your holiday grocery shopping, entertaining, and gift giving easy as we tour Randalls. Discover new foods and unique food gifts for you and the food lovers on your list.

December 3 Monday, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Randalls, 10900 Research Blvd. Austin. 512-342-4250

December 3 Monday, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Randalls, 2051 Gattis School Rd. Round Rock. 512-246-0390

You can access information about the Eating Well Nutrition programs (and get recipes) at this link.

Marj Gallece
Williamson County Coordinator of the Breast Cancer Resource Center
NASWC Neighbor to Neighbor Columnist
www.naswc.org

updated: 05/14/2008