Improving Breast Cancer Risk Communication
Author Information
Author(s): Ghosh Karthik, Crawford Brianna J, Pruthi Sandhya, Williams Constance I, Neal Lonzetta, Sandhu Nicole P, Johnson Ruth E, Wahner-Roedler Dietlind, Britain Marcia K, Cha Stephen S, Ghosh Amit K
Primary Institution: Mayo Clinic
Hypothesis
Does using a frequency format diagram alongside a bar graph improve women's understanding of breast cancer risk?
Conclusion
Using a bar graph plus a frequency format diagram can enhance the accuracy of breast cancer risk perception among women who initially perceive their risk as very high.
Supporting Evidence
- 72% of women overestimated their breast cancer risk before education.
- Accuracy of risk perception improved significantly in the BG+FF group.
- The BG+FF group showed a significant decrease in inaccurate high-risk perception.
Takeaway
This study shows that using pictures along with graphs helps women understand their breast cancer risk better, especially if they think their risk is really high.
Methodology
A prospective, randomized trial comparing risk communication using a bar graph alone versus a bar graph with a frequency format diagram.
Potential Biases
Potential allocation bias due to providers' explanations not being controlled.
Limitations
The study population was predominantly white and well-educated, which may limit generalizability.
Participant Demographics
Mean age 60.2 years, 88% white, 97% had at least a high school education.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.10
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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