J Korean Acad Adult Nurs.  2006 Mar;18(1):146-156.

Study of Cohort Construction for Development of Early Alarm System (EMS) for Breast Cancer: based on women living in a rural area

• Hur HK
• Park SM
• Kim GY
• Lee HJ
• Jean EP

Abstract

PURPOSE: 1) to construct cohorts according to risk scores calculated with the Gail Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool (Gail et al., 1989) (Gail) and the Breast Cancer Risk Appraisal (Lee et al,. 2003) (Lee) 2) to identify the distribution of risk factors and preventive behavior stages between the cohorts 3) to identify abnormal breast conditions in risk cohort. METHOD: Using convenience sampling, 775 rural women were selected. Risk appraisal was scored using Gail and Lee. Preventive behavior stages for BSE (Breast self examination) and mammography were measured using 4 stages of the Transtheoretical Model (Prochaska & DiClemente, 1983).
RESULTS
1) The risk cohort according to Gail was 12.3% (n=95), and Lee, 3.1% (n=24). 2) There were significant differences in the distribution of risk factors (age, family history, age at 1st live birth, age at menarche, number of breast biopsy, history of breast disease, and breast-feeding) between cohorts. 3) There was a significant difference in the distribution of the stage of BSE according to Lee. 4) Six women in the risk group detected masses or nodules and physician consultation and ultrasonography were recommended.
CONCLUSION
On the basis of the constructed cohorts, further longitudinal studies of cohorts are recommended with interventions according to characteristics of cohorts.

Keyword

Cohort; Alarm system; Breast neoplasms

MeSH Terms

Biopsy
Breast Diseases
Breast Neoplasms*
Breast*
Cohort Studies*
Female
Humans
Live Birth
Mammography
Menarche
Risk Assessment
Risk Factors
Ultrasonography