Grimm LJ, et al. - Researchers analyzed the personal approximations of risk for breast cancer and the frequency of thoughts on breast cancer made by women. Before their screening mammographic examinations, women from five medical centers were surveyed. Participants were asked about their basic anxiety and demographics, and then asked how many times they had been thinking about breast cancer development in the past month. There were 2,747 completed analytical surveys. Findings suggested an association of more frequent thoughts with personal or family history of breast cancer, greater anxiety, and genetic testing. There were 1.4 cancer thoughts per month among women without cancer risk factors. The median lifetime risk of breast cancer among all women was 12%, with high risk (>20%) estimates of 37.4%. Increased thoughts on breast cancer and personal estimates of cancer have been associated with specific demographics of the patient. Previous cancer diagnosis, higher education, genetic testing, white race, increased age and greater anxiety were demographic variables related to increased risk estimates. Improved patient perspective understanding could improve shared decision-making discussions and patient care.