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01-12-2021 | Breast Cancer

How Do African-American Community Members’ Perceptions About Environmental Risks of Breast Cancer Compare with the Current State of the Science?

Authors: Brooks Yelton, Jamie R. Lead, Swann Arp Adams, Heather M. Brandt, Shibani Kulkarni, Kaleea R. Lewis, Delores Fedrick, John R. Ureda, Daniela B. Friedman

Published in: Journal of Cancer Education | Issue 6/2021

Abstract

African-American (AA) women experience higher mortality from breast cancer than any other racial group. Understanding community-held perceptions of environmental contaminants as risk factors for breast cancer can inform the development of tailored prevention and education efforts for improve health outcomes. Six focus groups were conducted with AA participants in two counties in South Carolina, and themes were identified using open and axial coding. Perceived environmental risks for breast cancer most frequently discussed by participants were compared to findings from published systematic reviews. Frequently discussed environmental risk factors by participants were deodorants containing aluminum, plastics, pesticides, and air and water pollution. While perceptions of aluminum and air pollution as risk factors did not align with the state of the science, perceived risk factors of chemicals in plastics and pesticides were found to be in alignment. There is some congruence between perceived environmental risks for breast cancer within the AA community and the current state of the science; however, there is a need to communicate information that reflects current science regarding commonly held misconceptions. Development of evidence-based, clear, and culturally appropriate messaging that reflects the current state of the science is warranted.

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Title: How Do African-American Community Members’ Perceptions About Environmental Risks of Breast Cancer Compare with the Current State of the Science?
Authors: Brooks Yelton
Jamie R. Lead
Swann Arp Adams
Heather M. Brandt
Shibani Kulkarni
Kaleea R. Lewis
Delores Fedrick
John R. Ureda
Daniela B. Friedman
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: Springer US
Keywords: Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer
Published in: Journal of Cancer Education / Issue 6/2021
Print ISSN: 0885-8195
Electronic ISSN: 1543-0154
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-020-01748-8

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