Perception of Breast Density Information Among Women in Miami, FL: a Qualitative Study

AbstractThe US Food and Drug Administration has proposed requiring that all women undergoing mammography receive written information about their breast density. Past research suggests many women may misperceive the meaning of breast density. Additionally, women with dense breasts may not understand the risks and benefits of pursuing additional imaging studies. The goal of this study was to explore women ’s beliefs about breast density and their preferences for how this information is conveyed. Women with increased breast density detected on mammography at a university-based breast imaging center in South Florida were recruited for a series of focus groups. Twenty-five women participated, ranging in age from 42 to 65 years. Nine women (36%) self-identified as Hispanic/Latina, eight (32%) as Black, four (16%) as White, three (12%) as Asian, and one as “other.” Four focus groups were conducted in English and one in Spanish by professional moderators using a semi-structured format. A const ant comparative method was used to identify common themes using a general inductive approach. Areas explored included understanding of the term breast density; personal reaction to being informed of dense breasts; questions about breast density; understanding of supplemental screening; and preferenc es for how to convey breast density information. Subthemes identified included a misperception that breast density is palpable; a feeling of fear on learning of increased breast density resul...
Source: Journal of Cancer Education - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research