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Testing different formats for communicating colorectal cancer risk
I M Lipkus1, Y Crawford, K Fenn
1Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27701, USA.
Journal of Health Communication
|May 3, 2000
Summary
Providing information on colorectal cancer (CRC) risk factors, but not comparative risks, increased perceived CRC risk in older adults. Screening intentions rose independently, especially for those previously screened.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Health Communication
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Effective communication of cancer risks is crucial for informed health decisions.
- Understanding how risk information formats influence perceptions and intentions is vital for public health interventions.
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening adherence remains suboptimal in many populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate how different formats of CRC risk information impact risk perception, emotional responses, and screening intentions in adults aged 50+.
- To determine the influence of absolute risk, comparative risk, and risk factor information on CRC risk awareness.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 122 men and women aged 50 and over.
- Participants received varying information formats on CRC risks, including absolute lifetime risk, comparative risks, and specific risk factors (age, polyps).
- Outcomes assessed included perceived absolute and comparative risks, emotional reactions, and screening intentions.
Main Results:
- Information on CRC risk factors significantly increased participants' perceived absolute 10-year and lifetime risks.
- Participants receiving risk factor information were more likely to associate age with CRC and perceive higher personal risk from polyps.
- No experimental condition altered emotional responses (worry, anxiety, fear) or screening intentions.
Conclusions:
- Communicating specific risk factors for colorectal cancer (CRC) effectively enhances risk perception in older adults.
- Screening intentions for CRC increased universally, particularly among individuals with prior screening history (fecal occult blood test or sigmoidoscopy).
- Intervention designs should focus on clear communication of risk factors to improve risk awareness, while acknowledging that intentions may be influenced by prior experiences.