Effects of Risk Presentation Format and Frequently Asked Questions on Breast Cancer Risk Skepticism

Effects of Risk Presentation Format and Frequently Asked Questions on Breast Cancer Risk Skepticism

The purpose of this study is to find out whether the way a breast cancer risk estimate is presented affects how women feel about their risk and whether they believe the estimate is accurate for them. Women aged 39-74 will complete an online survey in which they receive a personalized breast cancer risk estimate using the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool (BCRAT). The study includes two experiments. In the first experiment, women are randomly assigned to receive their estimate in different formats: some will see their risk over 5 years, 10 years, or a lifetime, and some will see their risk expressed out of 100 women or out of 1,000 women. In the second experiment, women receive their estimate and then have the opportunity to read answers to frequently asked questions about how breast cancer risk is calculated and what the estimate means. In both experiments, women are asked whether they believe the estimate reflects their true risk. Both experiments are conducted online through a national survey panel.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Female sex
2. Age 39-74 (i.e., people who are eligible for routine breast cancer screening and for whom guidelines recommend an informed, risk-based decision)
3. English literacy

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Prior diagnosis of

1. breast cancer
2. Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
3. Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS)
4. Known BRCA1/2 gene mutation
5. Cowan syndrome
6. Li-Fraumeni syndrome
7. Having received previous chest radiation for treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma.