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Communicating breast cancer risks to women using different formats
I M Lipkus1, W M Klein, B K Rimer
1Duke University Medical Center, Cancer Prevention, Detection, and Control Research Program, Risk Communication Laboratory, Durham, North Carolina 27701, USA. lipku001@mc.duke.edu
Summary
Communicating breast cancer risk using ranges or point estimates reduces perceived risk short-term. Women found both formats equally credible, though risk perceptions returned to baseline after six months.
Area of Science:
- Medical Communication
- Health Psychology
- Cancer Prevention
Background:
- Accurate assessment of breast cancer risk is crucial for informed decision-making.
- The Gail Model provides an objective measure of breast cancer risk.
- Understanding how risk information is presented impacts women's perceptions and decisions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of presenting breast cancer risk estimates as ranges versus point estimates.
- To evaluate the short-term and long-term impact of different risk communication formats on perceived risk.
- To assess women's perceptions of credibility, trustworthiness, accuracy, and relevance of different risk communication formats.
Main Methods:
- A pre-post test design with baseline, laboratory, and 6-month follow-up was employed.
- Women received objective breast cancer risk information using the Gail Model in two formats: risk ranges and point estimates.
- Perceived lifetime breast cancer risks were measured before and after information delivery.
Main Results:
- Both risk ranges and point estimates significantly lowered perceived lifetime breast cancer risks compared to no information presentation.
- Perceived risk perceptions generally reverted to baseline levels by the 6-month follow-up.
- Women rated both risk formats as equally credible, trustworthy, accurate, and personally relevant.
Conclusions:
- Presenting breast cancer risk information, whether as ranges or point estimates, leads to short-term reductions in perceived risk.
- Women find both risk communication formats equally acceptable and credible.
- The short-term accuracy gains in risk perception may not be sustained long-term.