Prevalence and correlates of worry about medical imaging radiation among United States cancer survivors Journal Article


Authors: Hay, J. L.; Baser, R. E.; Westerman, J. S.; Ford, J. S.
Article Title: Prevalence and correlates of worry about medical imaging radiation among United States cancer survivors
Abstract: Purpose: Cancer survivors undergo lifelong surveillance regimens that involve repeated diagnostic medical imaging. As many of these diagnostic tests use ionizing radiation, which may modestly increase cancer risks, they may present a source of worry for survivors. The aims of this paper are to describe cancer survivors’ level of worry about medical imaging radiation (MIR) and to identify patterns of MIR worry across subgroups defined by cancer type, other medical and demographic factors, and physician trust. Method: This cross-sectional study used the 2012–2013 Health Information National Trends Survey of US adults conducted by the National Cancer Institute. The analysis focused on the 452 respondents identifying as cancer survivors. Weighted logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate factors associated with higher MIR worry (reporting “some” or “a lot” of MIR worry). Results: Nearly half (42%) of the sample reported higher worry about MIR. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regressions indicated higher rates of MIR worry among those with lower incomes, those who self-reported poorer health, and those who completed cancer treatment within the past 10 years. Receipt of radiation treatment was associated with higher MIR worry in unadjusted analysis. Conclusion: Worries about MIR are relatively common among cancer survivors. An accurate assessment of the rates and patterns of worry could aid efforts to improve these individuals’ survivorship care and education. © 2018, International Society of Behavioral Medicine.
Keywords: adult; cancer survival; controlled study; major clinical study; cancer radiotherapy; radiation; radiotherapy; prevalence; diagnostic imaging; cancer survivor; medical information; education; medical imaging; survivorship; physician; cross-sectional study; national health organization; human experiment; worry; cancer survivorship; trust; human; male; female; article; national sample
Journal Title: International Journal of Behavioral Medicine
Volume: 25
Issue: 5
ISSN: 1070-5503
Publisher: Springer  
Date Published: 2018-10-01
Start Page: 569
End Page: 578
Language: English
DOI: 10.1007/s12529-018-9730-3
PROVIDER: scopus
PUBMED: 29872990
PMCID: PMC6281846
DOI/URL:
Notes: Article -- Export Date: 1 November 2018 -- Source: Scopus
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  1. Raymond E Baser
    133 Baser
  2. Jennifer S Ford
    63 Ford
  3. Jennifer L Hay
    265 Hay