People perceive cancer risk in a variety of different ways with important implications for behavior and decision making related to cancer outcomes. Several studies demonstrate, for example, that subjective likelihood estimates are less predictive than “feeling at risk” of precautionary behavior such as vaccination, and that people who think they are at high risk and also worried about their high risk are paradoxically less likely to take precautions such as quitting smoking. A recent model contends that affective risk perceptions (e.g., worry) are not synonymous with intuitive perceptions of risk (“gut feelings”) and that these two risk construals differ in their predictive validity. In this talk, I will discuss various approaches to defining and measuring risk perception and consider several conceptual and applied implications for cancer prevention and control.

William Klein, PhD
Associate Director
National Cancer Institute Behavioral Research Program

Location. The Nimick Conference Room is located on the first floor of the Hillman Cancer Center, 5117 Centre Avenue, in Shadyside UPMC Shadyside, Hillman Cancer Center. After entering the building, walk to the right and through the double glass doors. Take the elevators up 1 floor and the Conference Room is on the left.

For More Information. Please RSVP to Darren Gilmartin at gilmartind@upmc.edu or contact him if you need directions or additional information.. Light lunch provided. In order to ensure enough food is available,

CME Faculty Disclosure. In accordance with Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education requirements on disclosure, information about relationships of presenters with commercial interests (if any) will be included in materials distributed at the time of the conference.

Continuing Medical Education Credit. The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. Other health care professionals are awarded .10 continuing education units (CEUs) which are equal to 1.0 contact hours.

Sponsored by The Biobehavioral Oncology Program UPMC Hillman Cancer Center.