Abstract
BACKGROUND; A large body of research has examined the effects of cognitive factors on checking for breast cancer. Affective factors, specifically anxiety, have begun to be examined in this area. Results of the studies are equivocal, suggesting that the relationship between anxiety and breast awareness is not clear. AIMS: The current study aimed to examine the relationships trait anxiety and breast cancer worry have with breast awareness. METHOD: This cross-sectional study included a sample of 58 women who attended Community Mental Health Teams and a control sample of 52 women. All participants completed questionnaires about breast awareness, trait anxiety, health anxiety, breast cancer worry and two cognitive factors: perceived vulnerability and health locus of control. The breast awareness questionnaire was repeated two months later. RESULTS: A statistically significant correlation was detected in the clinical sample between trait anxiety and breast cancer worry. No relationship was detected between trait anxiety and breast awareness but a positive linear relationship was detected between breast cancer worry and breast awareness. There was evidence to support the theory that breast cancer worry and trait anxiety are different constructs, and relate differently to breast awareness. DISCUSSION: There was no evidence that those with higher levels of trait anxiety should be targeted differently in health promotion campaigns to increase breast awareness. It is argued that the focus should be on those who are more likely to have high levels of breast cancer worry. Further research about what factors might increase breast cancer worry is recommended.