Improved screening for breast cancer associated with a telephone-based risk assessment

Our objective was to develop and field-test a telephone-based breast cancer risk assessment and to assess its efficacy in improving screening behavior. The study was performed at a financial institution and a manufacturing corporation with main offices in Boston, Massachusetts, and branch offices in various regions of the United States.

A longitudinal study consisting of an initial health risk assessment administered by telephone, with a subsequent follow-up study initiated 8 months later, was performed. Study design was influenced by some of the suggestions made by the benefits departments of the corporate sponsors. A voice-response, telephone system collected risk information from callers and gave real-time risk assessment. These callers could receive a risk assessment over the phone and remain completely anonymous or furnish name and address to receive a more detailed written report. Main outcome measures included the response rate and demographics of the respondents, risk profiles of the callers, and breast cancer screening statuses.

There were 343 participants of whom 189 relinquished anonymity to receive more detailed information by mail and were available for a follow-up study. Sixty-three women (18%) reported a family history of breast cancer, with 34 women (10%) responding that one first-degree blood relative had been diagnosed before the age of 50. A strong positive correlation between the level of familial risk and the decision to remain anonymous existed (P < 0.0001). There was an increase in compliance with breast self-examination from 34% (40/119) at time of use of the system to 62% (74/119) at follow-up, P < 0.0001. Clinical breast exams showed similar improvements, from 82 (98/119) to 92% (110/119), P < 0.0137. Paired and unpaired data of women 40 years of age and older indicate an improvement in mammography compliance from time of system use to follow-up, 76 (22/29) to 93% (27/29), P < 0.0572, and 79 (33/42) to 93% (27/29), P < 0.0129, respectively.

A population of women with a risk profile higher than that of the U.S. population called the survey. System use is associated with an improvement in breast cancer screening habits. Self-reported, increased genetic risk for breast cancer was strongly correlated with a decision to remain anonymous.