Women with hereditary risk for breast and ovarian cancer exhibit varying personality traits which significantly influence their engagement with preventive healthcare, according to new research conducted by Polish scientists.
The study, involving 357 women enrolled in 'The National Program for Families With Genetic/Familial High Risk for Cancer,' utilized the Neo Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) along with standardized questionnaires to analyze how personality relates to obstetric history and cancer-prevention behaviors.
Main findings revealed intriguing correlations between personality traits and health-related decisions. For example, women characterized by high Extraversion, Openness to Experience, and Conscientiousness reported undergoing their first breast ultrasound at younger ages compared to their peers. Conversely, those with higher Agreeableness scores tended to delay their first ultrasound.
Breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent cancers among women globally, intertwining both genetic and non-genetic factors. Genetic mutations, particularly BRCA1 and BRCA2, are well-known risk factors leading to significantly increased breast cancer susceptibility, estimated at 80% and 72%, respectively, for mutation carriers. The Polish healthcare system encourages preventive measures such as regular breast self-examinations, ultrasounds, and mammograms, starting at age 20 for self-examinations and at age 30 for mammograms, emphasizing the importance of early detection.
The study's analysis showed personality traits can impact these preventive practices. Women with higher Openness and Conscientiousness scores were more proactive, using hormonal contraceptives more frequently and tending to have fewer pregnancies, which correlated with earlier health screenings. For these women, deciding to have children appeared less driven by traditional norms and more about personal choice, reflecting their curious and goal-oriented nature.
Interestingly, the research also indicated women with lower Agreeableness—who may be less willing to compromise or cooperate—are more likely to perform preventive care at earlier stages. This assertiveness offers insights for health care providers about targeting specific personality traits when designing health interventions.
This nuanced outlook on personality and health behaviors aligns with recent trends recognizing psychological components as pivotal parts of health management. The findings suggest incorporating personality assessments within cancer care frameworks could lead to improved outcomes by aligning health intervention strategies more closely with individual psychological profiles.
While the research provides valuable data, it does face limitations, including being geographically confined to Poland. More studies are warranted to fully understand how these traits interact with broader social, cultural, and economic factors affecting health behaviors across diverse populations.
Overall, this study sheds light on the significant role personality traits play among women at hereditary risk of breast and ovarian cancers and suggests future healthcare practices can benefit from personalized approaches to preventive care.