Mammographic screening for young women with a family history of breast cancer: knowledge and views of those at risk
2008

Mammographic Screening for Young Women with Family History of Breast Cancer

Sample size: 2321 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Tyndel S, Clements A, Bankhead C, Henderson B J, Brain K, Watson E, Austoker J

Primary Institution: University of Oxford

Hypothesis

What do women know about their level of breast cancer risk and their views about mammographic screening?

Conclusion

Most women with a family history of breast cancer are motivated to attend screening but lack complete understanding of the risks and benefits of mammography.

Supporting Evidence

  • 70% of women believed they were likely to develop breast cancer in their lifetime.
  • 97% understood that the purpose of mammographic screening was early detection of breast cancer.
  • 20% believed a normal mammogram result meant no breast cancer was present.

Takeaway

This study shows that many young women with a family history of breast cancer want to get screened, but they don't always understand how it works or its effectiveness.

Methodology

Women aged 35-49 with a family history of breast cancer completed a questionnaire before their mammogram.

Potential Biases

There may be a lack of understanding among less educated women regarding their risk levels.

Limitations

The study may not represent all women offered mammographic screening due to potential non-response bias.

Participant Demographics

Women aged 35-49 with a family history of breast cancer, including moderate and high-risk categories.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.01

Confidence Interval

95% CI: 33.9–43.2

Statistical Significance

p<0.01

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/sj.bjc.6604672

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