Mammography.

Breast cancer is the most common female malignancy in the USA and second only to lung malignancy in cancer mortality. The only screening modality that effectively detects early breast cancer and decreases mortality is mammography. Because many females turn to obstetrician gynecologists for breast cancer screening, an understanding of the benefits and limitations of mammography and the breast imaging reporting and data system is imperative. Mammography remains the most cost effective and sensitive tool for early detection.

Use of sunscreen in health care professionals. The health belief model.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship among perceived susceptibility, demographic variables, and use of sunscreen in health care providers, using the Health Belief Model Questionnaire. The sample consisted of 90 participants from the Southeast, ages 24 to 60 years. This sample included nurses, pharmacists, psychologists, nurse practitioners, and physicians. Demographics revealed that 63% had postgraduate or professional degrees, 91% were white, 88% were women, 4% had a family history of skin cancer, and 4% had a personal history of skin cancer. Participants at actual high risk and those at actual low risk reported appropriate perceived susceptibility scores. However, those whose actual risk was average, perceived their risk to be low. There was no significant relationship found between actual risk of developing skin cancer and use of sunscreen. There was a significant relationship between age and perceived susceptibility to skin cancer. The older the subject, the higher the perceived susceptibility. Health care providers have the ability to influence individuals to use sunscreen. Accurately perceived susceptibility to skin cancer will increase the likelihood of health care providers recommending sunscreen to their patients.

Inherited susceptibility to breast and ovarian cancer.

Approximately 5-10% of breast and ovarian cancer cases are due to an inherited susceptibility. The majority of inherited breast and ovarian cancer susceptibility is due to mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes; however, other genes responsible for inherited susceptibility to these diseases are yet to be identified. A small proportion of inherited breast and ovarian cancers are due to other genetic cancer susceptibility syndromes including Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Cowden disease and hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer. It is recommended that individuals at risk for inherited susceptibility to breast and/or ovarian cancer who are requesting DNA testing be provided with pre-test genetic counseling and education and post-test counseling and follow-up to ensure that all aspects of genetic testing have been disclosed and that the patient has truly given informed consent.