How Does Locus of Control Affect Perceived Risk for Breast Cancer in Healthy Women?

The study conducted by Rowe [1] looked at Locus of Control in healthy women and how it might affect the occurrence of breast cancer. Sixty-six women took part in this study, which was published in behavioral medicine.

Here is what we are talking about when we are talking about locus of control in the health care setting. “Individuals with an internal LOC believe that their own actions determine the consequences of their health outcomes, whereas those with an external LOC believe that powerful others, such as doctors, nurses, or family members, determine their health. People with a chance LOC orientation believe that their health is determined by fate, luck, or chance [2].

The researchers found that external locus of control and chance locus of control did not contribute to perceived cancer risk, internal locus of control however had a direct impact on the women and their chances of staying cancer free.

This of course raises a question? Are we doing everything we can to protect people from diseases? The research clearly indicates that we need to broaden our horizons when it comes to treating chronic disease. I for one would venture that treating a disease is already a step in the wrong direction. We as a nation should not be focusing on treating this disease and fighting that malady, but we should aggressively pursue prevention as the only alternative for a viable, sustainable health care system. Of course I am a dreamer, and this will never happen. Maybe it will not? But if enough people say enough is enough and demand better healthcare from their government that might change. But then of course the best thing would be to empower people and make sure that ultimately, they themselves are in the driver seat to health or chronic disease prevention, and there is really no such thing as the quick fix. I always tell people that the best cure to any disease is not getting it in the first place.

Beste Gesundheit,

Werner

References

1. Rowe, Jennifer L., Guy H. Montgomery, Paul R. Duberstein, and Dana H. Bovbjerg. "Health locus of control and perceived risk for breast cancer in healthy women." Behavioral Medicine 31.1 (Spring 2005): 33(8). General OneFile. Gale. LIRN. 15 Dec. 2007 <http://find.galegroup.com/ips/start.do?prodId=IPS>. Gale Document Number:A134910006

2. Wallston KA, Wallston BS, DeVellis R. Development of the multidimensional health locus of control (MHLC) scales. Health Educ Mon. 1978;6:161-170.