Introduction

1. Introduction Meaningful message research examines interpersonal messages "…remembered for extremely long periods of time and which people perceive as a major influence on the course of their lives" (Knapp, Stohl, & Reardon (1981). Meaningful messages were further studied by Smith and Ellis (2001a; 2001b; 2004), who showed that they are guides to action. References  Knapp, M. L., Stohl, C., & Reardon, K. K. (1981). “Memorable” messages. Journal of Communication, 31, 27-41 Smith, S. W., & Ellis, J. B. (2001). Memorable messages as guides to self-assessment of behavior: An initial investigation. Communication Monographs, 68, 154-168. Ellis, J.B. & Smith, S. W. (2004). Memorable messages as guides to self-assessment of behavior: A replication and extension diary study. Communication Monographs, 71, 97-119. Smith, S.W., Ellis, J. B., & Yoo. J. (2001). Memorable messages as guides to self-assessment of behavior: The role of instrumental values. Communication Monograph, 68, 325-339. Objectives and Methods Meaningful messages can aid breast cancer outreach efforts by informing researchers about the types and sources of messages women are recalling that may lead them to or deter them from action. In this study, N= 277 women were recruited to take an online survey regarding meaningful messages they recalled about breast cancer. A total of N=158 women recalled such a message, described it, and identified its source. Sources of Meaningful Messages Media 34% Celebrities, Journalists, Magazines, Brochures, Television, Radio, or the Internet Family 22% Mostly female relatives such as Mother, Aunt, Grandmother, Sister, or Cousin Meaningful Message Categories and Subcategories Doctor 15% Doctor or other types of health care professional Friends 23% • Breast Cancer Awareness 32% • Statistics/ Facts • Breast Cancer Affects Us All • Campaigns/ Organizations • Treatment 27% • Appearance • Treatment Choices • Survival Choices • Womanhood • Fear/pain/negative • Appreciation for every day • Social Support Results The Types and Sources of Meaningful Messages About Breast CancerSandi Smith1, Charles Atkin1, Samantha Munday1, Christine Skubiscz2, and Vanessa Ferguson3 { 1: Michigan State University , 2 :University of Maryland, 3: Eastern Michigan University } • Early Detection 38% • Breast self exam • Mammograms • Breast self exam and mammograms • Early detection • Prevention 3% • Health/ Be Proactive • Improve/ Change a health behavior • Family Risk • Conclusions • Respondents recalled few messages about breast cancer prevention, but they did recall substantial proportions of messages about awareness, detection, and treatment.; messages about prevention need to be created in ways that are memorable and meaningful. • This research demonstrates that media, followed by friends and family, are much more likely than the medical community to be sources of messages that impact women’s lives; health professionals may need training to enhance the effectiveness of their communication with patients. This publication was made possible by the Breast Cancer and the Environment Research Centers grant number U01 ES012800 from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), and the National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH, DHHS. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the NIEHS or NCI.