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Article: African American women's perceptions of the role of genetics in breast cancer risk.
- Article from:
- American Journal of Health Studies
- Article date:
- March 22, 2001
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2001 American Journal of Health Studies. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Abstract: African American women face an unequal breast cancer burden, due to known contributors, such as lack of access to health care, diet and sedentary lifestyle, as well as speculative causes as geographic location and heredity. African American women's perceptions regarding the role of these four variables--genetics, social environment, physical environment, and personal behavior--on breast cancer incidence were evaluated through the use of four focus groups. Results revealed that African American women overestimated the influence of genetics and underestimated the impact of other variables on breast cancer incidence. This belief in genetic determinism is considered ...