A promoting early presentation intervention increases breast cancer awareness in older women after 2 years: a randomised controlled trial
2011

Breast Cancer Awareness in Older Women

Sample size: 867 publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Forbes L J L, Linsell L, Atkins L, Burgess C, Tucker L, Omar L, Ramirez A J

Primary Institution: Kings College London

Hypothesis

Does the PEP Intervention increase breast cancer awareness in older women?

Conclusion

The PEP Intervention significantly increased breast cancer awareness in older women compared to usual care.

Supporting Evidence

  • The PEP Intervention increased breast cancer awareness from 1.8% to 20.8% over 2 years.
  • Women receiving the PEP Intervention were significantly more aware of breast cancer symptoms compared to those receiving usual care.
  • The study followed participants for 2 years, which is longer than similar studies.

Takeaway

A short talk with a health professional can help older women know more about breast cancer and how to check for it.

Methodology

Randomised controlled trial comparing the PEP Intervention, a booklet alone, and usual care among women attending breast screening.

Potential Biases

Response bias may have occurred as women who responded at 2 years were more likely to be married and of a higher socioeconomic status.

Limitations

The effect size of the intervention decreased slightly over time, and there may have been increased awareness in the usual care group due to external factors.

Participant Demographics

Women aged 67–70 years, primarily white British, with varying educational backgrounds.

Statistical Information

P-Value

<0.001

Confidence Interval

95% CI 2.7–25.0

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/bjc.2011.205

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