Mapping the gaps in women’s understanding of breast cancer risk

Different women have different risks of developing breast cancer. New research maps their understanding of the disease, its risk factors, preferences for preventive measures, and existing knowledge gaps.

Many factors influence your risk of developing breast cancer. From genetics, age, density of breast tissue, environmental factors and exposure to female hormones to lifestyle factors like level of physical activity, alcohol consumption and weight after menopause. A recent qualitative interview study explores women’s attitudes to and understanding of breast cancer risk – to support public health measures and risk communication.

Women’s understanding of breast cancer risk is largely shaped by stories in the media and is often marked by negative emotions like fear. Closely linked to the identity of being a woman, the typical patient was imagined as “a regular mum”, and participants often showed a clear understanding of the treatment and the physical, emotional, relational, and social consequences of breast cancer. But they had limited knowledge about what causes the disease.

“Self-examination and screening programmes are the preventive tools research participants are aware of. Breast cancer is seen as this uncontrollable disease, where you – as a woman – are always at risk,” says Åsa Grauman, associate professor of public health at the Centre for Research Ethics & Bioethics at Uppsala University.

According to the findings of Åsa Grauman’s study, family history is the primary tool women use to assess their risk of developing breast cancer in the future. Among the research participants, the general perception was that the disease can affect anyone.

Research participants’ knowledge of breast cancer risk factors was quite limited at the outset, but many expressed an interest in learning more about how to prevent it. And while they saw lifestyle changes primarily as a tool to feel better right now, they also expressed a desire for fact-based information about breast cancer risk over the emotion-driven narratives about individual women who have suffered the disease that often dominate public discourse. Screening programmes were proposed as a potential vehicle for risk communication, where factual information about risk and prevention could be integrated.

“From a public health perspective, is important to capitalise on women’s willingness to learn about the risks that they can mitigate – but also remember to talk about the risks that they cannot, to avoid health anxiety and stigmatisation,” Åsa Grauman concludes.

By Anna Holm Bodin

Jonsson, H., Hedström, M., & Grauman, Å. (2026). Women’s perceptions of breast cancer risk and prevention: Insights into knowledge gaps and lifestyle attitudes. BMC Public Health. DOI: 10.1186/s12889-026-27291-7

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