Predictors of lung cancer worry

Background. This study examined the association between demographic factors, perceived risk, tobacco exposure and lung cancer worry at baseline of a dual home screening trial to reduce home exposure to radon and secondhand smoke (SHS). Lung cancer is preventable through the elimination of tobacco smoke and radon exposure. It was hypothesized that smokers and those exposed to SHS in the home would be more worried about lung cancer.

Methods. A purposive sample of homeowners (N=113) were recruited in an outpatient clinic in the South.  Recruitment is ongoing through 12/14. Self-reported race, education, income, age, gender, marital status, perceived risk of lung cancer, smoking status, past 7-day secondhand smoke exposure in the home, and lung cancer worry were assessed via iPad survey. An 11-point ordinal scale assessed perceived risk. Lung cancer worry was measured using a 4-item scale.

Results. Preliminary findings indicate that Caucasian participants had lower lung cancer worry than those in other ethnic/racial groups. Those who perceived their lung cancer risk to be higher also had higher worry scores, as did current smokers. Interestingly, lung cancer worry was unrelated to other demographic factors and secondhand smoke exposure in the home.

Conclusions. Although SHS is the third leading cause of lung cancer, those exposed in the home did not have higher scores on the lung cancer worry scale than those who were non-exposed. More research is needed to examine ethnic/racial variations in lung cancer worry and perceived risk for lung cancer. Additional data will be available at time of presentation.