Document Type
Article
Keywords
breast cancer; communication; environment; uncertainty
Identifier Data
10.1177/1359105308095972
Publication Source
Journal of Health Psychology
Abstract
Recent research indicates environmental factors and personal behaviors are related to breast cancerrisk, but adopting a healthy lifestyle as early as adolescence can serve a protective function. Toinvestigate perceptions of breast cancer risk and the environment, 10 focus groups (N = 91) wereconducted with adolescent females (n = 55) and mothers (n = 36) across four counties in the Midwest,USA. The Uncertainty Management Theory provides a framework for discussing statements, andresults suggest that uncertainty is maintained through ambiguity about environmental risk factorsand breast cancer. Recommendations for prevention messages are presented.
