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Miles A, Paschalidi A, Sharma N. The effect of numeric information about the likelihood of receiving a false negative or false positive result on people's attitudes towards colorectal cancer screening using faecal immunochemical testing (FIT). PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2023; 114:107857. [PMID: 37348310 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2023.107857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the impact of numeric risk information about false negative (FN) and false positive (FP) rates in fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) on attitudes towards screening. METHODS 102 people aged 45-55, living in the UK, read 6 hypothetical vignettes presented online about the use of FIT kits to detect colorectal cancer, in which information about FN and FP rates was systematically varied. RESULTS Numeric FN risk information reduced people's interest in screening, perception of screening effectiveness and lowered trust in screening compared to verbal FN information. Verbal FN information reduced perceptions of screening effectiveness and trust compared to no FN information. People with high subjective numeracy reported lower trust in screening following the provision of numeric FN information but numeracy did not moderate any other associations. FP information did not affect attitudes towards FIT testing. CONCLUSION Numeric FN risk information decreased people's perceptions of screening effectiveness and trust in the results of screening. While it influenced people's interest in screening, the effect was small. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Numeric FN information has a small effect on interest in screening and could promote informed decision making without affecting screening uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Miles
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK.
| | - Alexandra Paschalidi
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK
| | - Navya Sharma
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK
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Tsuruda KM, Hovda T, Bhargava S, Veierød MB, Hofvind S. Survival among women diagnosed with screen-detected or interval breast cancer classified as true, minimal signs, or missed through an informed radiological review. Eur Radiol 2021; 31:2677-2686. [PMID: 33180162 PMCID: PMC8043922 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-020-07340-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES "True" breast cancers, defined as not being visible on prior screening mammograms, are expected to be more aggressive than "missed" cancers, which are visible in retrospect. However, the evidence to support this hypothesis is limited. We compared the risk of death from any cause for women with true, minimal signs, and missed invasive screen-detected (SDC) and interval breast cancers (IC). METHODS This nation-wide study included 1022 SDC and 788 IC diagnosed through BreastScreen Norway during 2005-2016. Cancers were classified as true, minimal signs, or missed by five breast radiologists in a consensus-based informed review of prior screening and diagnostic images. We used multivariable Cox regression to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the risk of death from any cause associated with true, minimal signs, and missed breast cancers, adjusting for age at diagnosis, histopathologic tumour diameter and grade, and subtype. Separate models were created for SDC and IC. RESULTS Among SDC, 463 (44%) were classified as true and 242 (23%) as missed; among IC, 325 (39%) were classified as true and 235 (32%) missed. Missed SDC were associated with a similar risk of death as true SDC (HR = 1.20, 95% CI (0.49, 2.46)). Similar results were observed for missed versus true IC (HR = 1.31, 95% CI (0.77, 2.23)). CONCLUSIONS We did not observe a statistical difference in the risk of death for women diagnosed with true or missed SDC or IC; however, the number of cases reviewed and follow-up time limited the precision of our estimates. KEY POINTS • An informed radiological review classified screen-detected and interval cancers as true, minimal signs, or missed based on prior screening and diagnostic mammograms. • It has been hypothesised that true cancers, not visible on the prior screening examination, may be more aggressive than missed cancers. • We did not observe a statistical difference in the risk of death from any cause for women with missed versus true screen-detected or interval breast cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlyn M Tsuruda
- Section for Breast Cancer Screening, Cancer Registry of Norway, PO Box 5313, Majorstuen, 0304, Oslo, Norway
- Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Department of Biostatistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, PO Box 1122, Blindern, 0317, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tone Hovda
- Department of Radiology, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, PO Box 800, 3004, Drammen, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, PO Box 1171, Blindern, 0318, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sameer Bhargava
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Bærum Hospital, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, PO Box 800, 3004, Drammen, Norway
| | - Marit B Veierød
- Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Department of Biostatistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, PO Box 1122, Blindern, 0317, Oslo, Norway
| | - Solveig Hofvind
- Section for Breast Cancer Screening, Cancer Registry of Norway, PO Box 5313, Majorstuen, 0304, Oslo, Norway.
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, Pilestredet Campus, PO Box 4 St. Olavs plass, N-0130, Oslo, Norway.
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Solbjør M, Willis K. Informed Choice and Nudging in Mammography Screening: A Discourse Analysis of Australian and Scandinavian Webpages. SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY 2021. [DOI: 10.1177/0971721820964890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The tension between providing adequate information and achieving sufficiently high participation in population-based screening programmes, such as mammography, represents an ongoing challenge for health authorities. The theory of nudge illuminates how individuals may be nudged towards healthy behaviours without restricting individual freedom of choice. We analyse information provided on health authority webpages and uncover the subject positions available to healthy women deciding whether to participate in screening. We do so by comparing different policy contexts where women must opt in to screening (Australia) or opt out (Scandinavia). We conclude that information is used to nudge women towards screening. Alongside focus on the ease of being screened, tensions exist in simultaneously portraying women as being at risk of breast cancer and providing reassurance of their healthy state. We identify persuasive devices that emphasise responsibility to participate in screening and conclude that webpages play a dynamic role in authorities’ attempts to, on one hand, achieve high participation in screening, and on the other, promote mammography screening as an individual choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marit Solbjør
- Marit Solbjør (corresponding author), Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Karen Willis
- Karen Willis, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne Victoria 3086, Australia
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Kleiven HH, Ljunggren B, Solbjør M. Health professionals' experiences with the implementation of a digital medication dispenser in home care services - a qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res 2020; 20:320. [PMID: 32299431 PMCID: PMC7164267 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-020-05191-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Implementing digital technology in home care services challenges care arrangements built on face-to-face encounters. Digital welfare technology has been suggested as a solution to increasing demands on health care services from an ageing population. Medication delivery is a major task for home care services, and digital medication devices could lessen the need for resources. But technology has scripts based on how designers picture its use, and these might not fit with users’ needs and practices. New technology must go through processes of domestication among its users. In the present study, we investigate how health professionals experienced the implementation of a digital medication dispenser into home care services in Norway. Methods This was a qualitative interview study with 26 health professionals from home care services in five municipalities. Results All five municipalities had implemented a digital medication dispenser in home care services. Prior to the introduction of the dispenser, medication practices had been based on home visits. The safety of medication practices was the main concern of health professionals who had to negotiate the technological script in order to make it work in a new care arrangement. Rationalities of effectiveness collided with rationalities of care, symbolized by warm hands. Professionals who had been used to working independently became dependent on technical support. Being unfamiliar with the new medication arrangement led to resistance towards the digital dispenser, but more direct experiences changed the focus from technology to new care arrangements. Negotiating practical and organizational arrangements led health professionals to trust the digital medication dispenser to contribute to safe and good care for service users. Conclusions Implementing digital technology in home care services must be informed by previous practices in the field, especially when it concerns safety for patients. Through processes of domestication, health professionals negotiate technological scripts to make them fit professional ideals and practices. Policymakers and managers must address questions of care arrangements and individualized adaptions to patients’ needs in order to receive support from health professionals when implementing digital technology in home care services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanne H Kleiven
- Department of Social Science, QMUC, Thrond Nergaards veg 7, N-7044, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Birgitte Ljunggren
- Department of Social Science, QMUC, Thrond Nergaards veg 7, N-7044, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Marit Solbjør
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Department of Public Health and Nursing, NTNU, 7491, Trondheim, Norway.
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McGarragle KM, Aronson M, Semotiuk K, Holter S, Hare CJ, Ferguson SE, Cohen Z, Hart TL. Patient-physician relationships, health self-efficacy, and gynecologic cancer screening among women with Lynch syndrome. Hered Cancer Clin Pract 2019; 17:24. [PMID: 31423292 PMCID: PMC6693236 DOI: 10.1186/s13053-019-0123-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Lynch syndrome, a hereditary cancer syndrome, predisposes women to colorectal, endometrial, and ovarian cancer. Current guidelines recommend that women with Lynch syndrome undergo risk-reducing gynecological surgery to reduce their chances of developing endometrial or ovarian cancer. Little is known about how women with Lynch syndrome perceive gynecological cancer screening, or the psychosocial factors associated with screening attitudes and behaviour. Methods This study used a cross-sectional, quantitative design. Using self-report questionnaire data from a sample of women with Lynch syndrome (N = 50) who had not undergone risk-reducing surgery, the current study sought to: 1) describe the gynecological cancer screening behaviours of women with Lynch syndrome, as well participant-reported sources of information about Lynch syndrome; 2) examine the extent to which women believe gynecological cancer screening is effective and provides them with reassurance and; 3) assess to what extent relationships with one’s family physician were associated with gynecological cancer screening, perceptions about screening, and health self-efficacy. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman rank-ordered correlations. Results Data analyses showed that transvaginal ultrasound was the most common screening behaviour (57%) followed by pelvic ultrasound (47%). Only 22% of participants underwent endometrial biopsy. Patient-physician relationships were related to greater health self-efficacy to manage Lynch syndrome and greater perceived effectiveness of gynecological screening. However, health self-efficacy and better patient-physician relationships were not associated with increased engagement in gynecological cancer screening. Conclusions The data suggest that feeling efficacious about managing one’s Lynch syndrome and screening is related to positive interactions and communication with one’s family physician. While this is encouraging, future research should examine educating both family physicians and patients about current guidelines for Lynch syndrome gynecological screening recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Melyssa Aronson
- 2Zane Cohen Centre for Digestive Diseases, Sinai Health System, Box 24-60 Murray Street, Toronto, ON M5T 3L9 Canada
| | - Kara Semotiuk
- 2Zane Cohen Centre for Digestive Diseases, Sinai Health System, Box 24-60 Murray Street, Toronto, ON M5T 3L9 Canada
| | - Spring Holter
- 2Zane Cohen Centre for Digestive Diseases, Sinai Health System, Box 24-60 Murray Street, Toronto, ON M5T 3L9 Canada
| | - Crystal J Hare
- 1Ryerson University, 350 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3 Canada
| | - Sarah E Ferguson
- 2Zane Cohen Centre for Digestive Diseases, Sinai Health System, Box 24-60 Murray Street, Toronto, ON M5T 3L9 Canada.,Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Princess Margaret Hospital, 610 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9 Canada
| | - Zane Cohen
- 2Zane Cohen Centre for Digestive Diseases, Sinai Health System, Box 24-60 Murray Street, Toronto, ON M5T 3L9 Canada
| | - Tae L Hart
- 1Ryerson University, 350 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3 Canada.,2Zane Cohen Centre for Digestive Diseases, Sinai Health System, Box 24-60 Murray Street, Toronto, ON M5T 3L9 Canada.,4Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, 250 College Street, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8 Canada
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Broholm-Jørgensen M, Kamstrup-Larsen N, Guassora AD, Reventlow S, Dalton SO, Tjørnhøj-Thomsen T. ‘It can’t do any harm’: A qualitative exploration of accounts of participation in preventive health checks. HEALTH RISK & SOCIETY 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/13698575.2019.1602251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nina Kamstrup-Larsen
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ann Dorrit Guassora
- The research Unit and Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Susanne Reventlow
- The research Unit and Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Susanne Oksbjerg Dalton
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Survivorship, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Oncology & Palliative Care, Zealand University Hospital, Næstved, Denmark
| | - Tine Tjørnhøj-Thomsen
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Corkum MT, Shaddick H, Jewlal E, Patil N, Leung E, Sugimoto A, McGee J, Prefontaine M, D'Souza D. When Pap Testing Fails to Prevent Cervix Cancer: A Qualitative Study of the Experience of Screened Women Under 50 with Advanced Cervix Cancer in Canada. Cureus 2019; 11:e3950. [PMID: 30937248 PMCID: PMC6433450 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.3950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION While Papanicolaou (Pap) smears have resulted in a significant decline in cervical cancer incidence and mortality, our clinical experience indicates some women still present with locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) despite having received Pap smear screening. Recent guidelines have decreased the recommended frequency of Pap smears to every three years. Our study sought to investigate the experiences of young women compliant with cervical screening who presented with LACC. METHODS Women under 50 with LACC, FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) stage IB1 to IVA who underwent a Pap smear within two years of diagnosis and received curative intent chemoradiotherapy between September 2010 and December 2012 were included. Participants were treated at a tertiary academic cancer centre and invited for a semi-structured, in-person interview, which was analysed qualitatively using thematic analysis. RESULTS Thirteen out of 38 women had Pap screening two or less years before diagnosis. Ten consented to participate in an interview. Several key themes emerged: I) Belief that LACC does not occur in those who undergo screening; II) Lack of understanding about LACC symptoms/diagnosis of cervix cancer; III) Reluctance from health care providers to perform a detailed pelvic examination in the presence of symptoms; IV) Negative emotions including anger, shame, regret, mistrust; V) Changes in quality of life from treatment; VI) Advice for other women. CONCLUSIONS One-third of women presenting with LACC had appropriate Pap screening prior to diagnosis. Patients believe delays in their diagnosis resulted in detrimental quality of life. There is a need to educate physicians and the public about the symptoms of cervix cancer and to consider this diagnosis even when Pap screening has occurred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark T Corkum
- Radiation Oncology, London Regional Cancer Program, University of Western Ontario, London, CAN
| | - Heather Shaddick
- Medical Physics, London Regional Cancer Program, University of Western Ontario, London, CAN
| | - Elizabeth Jewlal
- Radiation Oncology, London Regional Cancer Program, University of Western Ontario, London, CAN
| | | | - Eric Leung
- Radiation Oncology, Toronto Sunnybrook Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, CAN
| | - Akira Sugimoto
- Oncology, London Regional Cancer Program, University of Western Ontario, London, CAN
| | - Jacob McGee
- Oncology, London Regional Cancer Program, University of Western Ontario, London, CAN
| | - Michel Prefontaine
- Neurology, London Regional Cancer Program, University of Western Ontario, London, CAN
| | - David D'Souza
- Radiation Oncology, London Regional Cancer Program, University of Western Ontario, London, CAN
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Barnett KN, Weller D, Smith S, Steele RJ, Vedsted P, Orbell S, Moss SM, Melia JW, Patnick J, Campbell C. The contribution of a negative colorectal screening test result to symptom appraisal and help-seeking behaviour among patients subsequently diagnosed with an interval colorectal cancer. Health Expect 2018; 21:764-773. [PMID: 29457677 PMCID: PMC6117494 DOI: 10.1111/hex.12672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programmes using a guaiac faecal occult blood test (gFOBt) reduce CRC mortality. Interval cancers are diagnosed between screening rounds: reassurance from a negative gFOBt has the potential to influence the pathway to diagnosis of an interval colorectal cancer. Methods Twenty‐six semi‐structured face‐to‐face interviews were carried out in Scotland and England, with individuals diagnosed with an interval colorectal cancer following a negative gFOBt result. Results Participants reported they were reassured by a negative gFOBt, interpreting their result as an “all clear”. Therefore, most did not suspect cancer as a possible cause of symptoms and many did not recall their screening result during symptom appraisal. Among those who did consider cancer, and did think about their screening test result, reassurance from a negative gFOBt led some to “downplay” the seriousness of their symptoms with some interviewees explicitly stating that their negative test result contributed to a delayed decision to seek help. Conclusion Screening participants need to be informed of the limitations of screening and the ongoing risk of developing colorectal cancer even when in receipt of a negative result: the importance of minimizing delay in seeking medical advice for colorectal symptoms should be emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Steve Smith
- Midlands and NW Bowel Cancer Screening Programme Hub, Rugby, UK
| | | | | | | | - Sue M Moss
- Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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Roux P, Durif-Bruckert C, Kalampalikis N. Breast cancer patients faced with images in surgical consultation: the power of strangeness of medical photos. PSYCHO-ONCOLOGIE 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s11839-016-0598-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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10
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Solbjør M, Skolbekken JA, Østerlie W, Forsmo S. Women's Experiences With Mammography Screening Through 6 Years of Participation--A Longitudinal Qualitative Study. Health Care Women Int 2015; 36:558-77. [PMID: 25510784 DOI: 10.1080/07399332.2014.989438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
In this article we explore women's experiences with 6 years of mammography screening. Regular and repeated mammography screening is promoted as an important tool for disease prevention among women worldwide. The purpose of the present study was to explore how continued participation in screening influences how women perceive screening and breast cancer. We carried out focus groups with 24 screening participants in 2003 and 2009. Our analysis highlights that while women were excited about the examination in 2003, it was perceived as routine in 2009. Waiting for the results became easier over the years, while stress related to receiving the results letter did not diminish. Knowledge of risk factors for breast cancer did not change. Personal risk assessment remained low, though high incidence of cancer among acquaintances suggested high risk for breast cancer among women in general. Analysis of participant experiences suggests that continuous participation in screening has led surveillance medicine to become a part of ordinary life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marit Solbjør
- a Department of Social Work and Health Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology , Trondheim , Norway
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11
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Moutel G, Duchange N, Darquy S, de Montgolfier S, Papin-Lefebvre F, Jullian O, Viguier J, Sancho-Garnier H. Women's participation in breast cancer screening in France--an ethical approach. BMC Med Ethics 2014; 15:64. [PMID: 25127662 PMCID: PMC4151080 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6939-15-64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2014] [Accepted: 07/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Breast cancer is a major public health challenge. Organized mammography screening (OS) is considered one way to reduce breast cancer mortality. EU recommendations prone mass deployment of OS, and back in 2004, France introduced a national OS programme for women aged 50–74 years. However, in 2012, participation rate was still just 52.7%, well short of the targeted 70% objective. In an effort to re-address the (in) efficiency of the programme, the French National Cancer Institute has drafted an expert-group review of the ethical issues surrounding breast cancer mammography screening. Discussion Prompted by emerging debate over the efficiency of the screening scheme and its allied public information provision, we keynote the experts’ report based on analysis of epidemiological data and participation rate from the public health authorities. The low coverage of the OS scheme may be partly explained by the fact that a significant number of women undergo mammography outside OS and thus outside OS criteria. These findings call for further thinking on (i) the ethical principles of beneficence and non-malfeasance underpinning this public health initiative, (ii) the reasons behind women’s and professionals’ behavior, and (iii) the need to analyze how information provision to women and the doctor-patient relationship need to evolve in response to scientific controversy over the risks and benefits of conducting mammographic screening. Summary This work calls for a reappraisal of the provision of screening programme information. We advocate a move to integrate the points sparking debate over the efficiency of the screening scheme to guarantee full transparency. The perspective is to strengthen the respect for autonomy allowing women to make an informed choice in their decision on whether or not to participate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grégoire Moutel
- Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Universitaire Georges Pompidou Corentin-Celton, Université Paris Descartes, 92130 Issy-les-Moulineaux, France.
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12
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Waller J, Douglas E, Whitaker KL, Wardle J. Women's responses to information about overdiagnosis in the UK breast cancer screening programme: a qualitative study. BMJ Open 2013; 3:bmjopen-2013-002703. [PMID: 23610383 PMCID: PMC3641428 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2013-002703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore the influence of overdiagnosis information on women's decisions about mammography. DESIGN A qualitative focus group study with purposive sampling and thematic analysis, in which overdiagnosis information was presented. SETTING Community and university settings in London. PARTICIPANTS 40 women within the breast screening age range (50-71 years) including attenders and non-attenders were recruited using a recruitment agency as well as convenience sampling methods. RESULTS Women expressed surprise at the possible extent of overdiagnosis and recognised the information as important, although many struggled to interpret the numerical data. Overdiagnosis was viewed as less-personally relevant than the possibility of 'under diagnosis' (false negatives), and often considered to be an issue for follow-up care decisions rather than screening participation. Women also expressed concern that information on overdiagnosis could deter others from attending screening, although they rarely saw it as a deterrent. After discussing overdiagnosis, few women felt that they would make different decisions about breast screening in the future. CONCLUSIONS Women regard it as important to be informed about overdiagnosis to get a complete picture of the risks and benefits of mammography, but the results of this study indicate that understanding overdiagnosis may not always influence women's attitudes towards participation in breast screening. The results also highlight the challenge of communicating the individual significance of information derived from population-level modelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo Waller
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Health Behaviour Research Centre, University College London, London, UK
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