BREAST CANCER MESSAGE STUDY
Abstract
Breast cancer messages focused on early adoption of preventative actions provide a fruitful avenue
to decrease the number of females who will be diagnosed with breast cancer later in life. The
current pilot study used a 2 (message source) x 3 (message concept) design to expose women
(N=59) to one of three message concepts (e.g., understanding normal mammary gland
development, limiting exposure to chemicals, & adoption of healthy lifestyle behaviors) with a
physician or a researcher as its source. Women then completed a post-test survey designed to
assess message and source perceptions, knowledge, attitude, behavioral intentions, and
demographic information. Results from regression analyses indicate that direct appeals to mothers
with daughters increase behavioral intentions to seek more information about breast cancer
prevention and communication with family members and doctors. Implications of these
preliminary results for further message construction designed to target mothers are discussed.
1