How Do Women View Risk-Based Mammography Screening? A Qualitative Study

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Preventive Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Traditional screening mammography has long been emphasized for breast cancer detection.
• A new approach, risk-based screening, tailors mammography frequency to individual breast cancer risk.
• This aims to optimize mortality reduction and minimize overdiagnosis and false positives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate women's perspectives and personal acceptance of risk-based mammography screening.
• To understand women's views on a paradigm shift from traditional to risk-stratified screening intervals.

Main Methods:

• Four semi-structured focus groups were conducted with women aged 40-74.
• Surveys were administered before providing information on risk-based screening.
• Focus group transcripts were analyzed using a mixed deductive and inductive approach.

Main Results:

• Most participants were highly educated, white women who had undergone mammography.
• Acceptability of risk-based screening was mixed; some saw benefits in reducing harms, while others feared missing diagnoses.
• Concerns were raised regarding the accuracy and feasibility of risk estimation, and potential financial motivations.

Conclusions:

• While some women found risk-based screening logical, willingness to switch from traditional methods was divided.
• Achieving widespread acceptance requires improved communication on the rationale and feasibility of risk-based screening.
• Consistent messaging from healthcare providers is crucial for broader adoption.