Subject positions in screening mammography and implications for informed choice

Area of Science:

• Health Communication
• Medical Sociology
• Discourse Analysis

Background:

• Screening mammography offers benefits and harms, but communication to women is inconsistent.
• Understanding women's perspectives on screening mammography is crucial for informed decision-making.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore how women discuss screening mammography.
• To analyze subject positions available in women's discourse about screening mammography.
• To understand the implications of these positions for informed choice.

Main Methods:

• Foucauldian Discourse Analysis of 16 individual interviews with women aged 44-72.
• Participants included both screening attenders (n=11) and non-attenders (n=5).
• Data collected using a semi-structured interview guide.

Main Results:

• Women perceived screening mammography as either beneficial or potentially harmful.
• Three subject positions were identified: The Responsible Woman (attender), The Irresponsible Woman (non-attender), and The Judicious Woman (alternative practices).

Conclusions:

• Identified subject positions may limit women's choices and shared decision-making.
• These positions can restrict engagement in risk-reducing behaviors.
• Supporting women's autonomy requires an expanded range of options and improved communication.