Purpose: Many women overestimate their risk of breast cancer. Evidence suggests that people fail to adjust their risk perception to account for longer time frames. It has been argued that using narrower time frames (e.g. 10 years) are more appropriate than life time frames. We studied the effects of presenting risk information in age- related 10 years frames in addition to life time risks on the counselees’ understanding and perception of risks and psychological well-being.
Method: In a RCT, unaffected women with a breast cancer family history referred to three clinical genetic centers in the Netherlands were recruited. Women received one of two conditions: lifetime risk (i.e. X out of 100 women) (n=63) or life time risks and age-related 10 years risk (n=69 ). Baseline, 2-week and 6-month follow-up measurements were assessed using questionnaires.
Result: The addition of age-related risks led to more accurate understanding and lower perceived likelihood of 10 years risks of getting breast cancer but not of life time risks. The addition of age-related risks had no effect on psychological well-being or preventive intentions. Participants evaluated their own risk on breast cancer as more clear when expressed as age-related risks compared to life time risks
Conclusion: Our results suggest that this format has an additional value and might thus be added to life time risks of breast cancer.
See more of: The 34th Annual Meeting of the Society for Medical Decision Making