Long-term risk perceptions ofwomenwith ductal carcinoma in situ

摘要

Introduction. Previous research has demonstrated that many women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) overestimate their risk for future breast cancer at the time of diagnosis and soon thereafter. This study aims to evaluate risk perceptions after 5 years. Patients and Methods. In a longitudinal cohort study, we mailed long-term follow-up surveys to 315womenwhohad previously responded to a survey 18 months after they were diagnosed with DCIS, excluding those who had experienced recurrence and those not treated at our institution. We evaluated risk perceptions with items used previously in the cohort. Results. One hundred ninety-three women (61%) responded. The median time since diagnosis was 5.9 years. We excluded 12 because of recurrence. Of the 181 remaining, 32% perceived at least a moderate 5-year risk for developing DCIS again, 43% perceived at least a moderate lifetime risk for developing DCIS again,27%perceived at least a moderate 5-year risk for invasive breast cancer, 38% perceived at least a moderate lifetime risk for invasive breast cancer, and 24% perceived at least amoderaterisk for DCIS spreading to otherbodyparts. In amultivariatemodel, worsefinancialstatusandhigherperceived risk in the previous survey were the only predictors of at least a moderate perception of risk for DCIS spreading. Conclusion.Womenwithahistory of DCIScontinue toharborinaccurate perceptions of their risk for future breast cancer events even 5 years after diagnosis.