Research and Insights: Helping Mothers and Daughters Talk about Environmental Breast Cancer Risk and Risk-Reducing Lifestyle Behaviors
With breast cancer as the most commonly diagnosed cancer for women in the U.S. and the leading cause of death for women in the world, it is critical for mothers and daughters to discuss the disease, potential causes and how to reduce risks of developing breast cancer. Studies show that conversations about risk-reducing breast cancer information between mothers and daughters can influence a daughter’s habits and even carry the advice into adulthood.
However, mothers and daughters often struggle with discussions around risk-reducing breast cancer habits. Daughters can find it distressing to talk about breast cancer risk, especially if there is a family history, and it can be challenging for mothers to navigate these conversations. For families without a history of breast cancer, they may not prioritize talking about cancer risk.
Carla L. Fisher, University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications Associate Professor, and colleagues explored the use of social media to disseminate information to help mothers facilitate the discussion of environmental risks of breast cancer with their family members, including their daughters. Their team utilized a best practice for disseminating research to the public by creating a partnership between scientists and a community stakeholder group known as “mommy bloggers,” a network of about four million mothers who have become a public source for parenting and health advice.
Posted: January 12, 2021
Category: Digest Only
