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Isautier JMJ, Wang S, Houssami N, McCaffery K, Brennan ME, Li T, Nickel B. The impact of breast density notification on psychosocial outcomes in racial and ethnic minorities: A systematic review. Breast 2024; 74:103693. [PMID: 38430905 PMCID: PMC10918326 DOI: 10.1016/j.breast.2024.103693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High breast density is an independent risk factor for breast cancer and decreases the sensitivity of mammography. This systematic review synthesizes the evidence on the impact of breast density (BD) information and/or notification on women's psychosocial outcomes among women from racial and ethnic minority groups. METHODS A systematic search was performed in March 2023, and the articles were identified using CINHAL, Embase, Medline, and PsychInfo databases. The search strategy combined the terms "breast", "density", "notification" and synonyms. The authors specifically kept the search terms broad and did not include terms related to race and ethnicity. Full-text articles were reviewed for analysis by race, ethnicity and primary language of participants. Two authors evaluated the eligibility of studies with verification from the study team, extracted and crosschecked data, and assessed the risk of bias. RESULTS Of 1784 articles, 32 articles published from 2003 to 2023 were included. Thirty-one studies were conducted in the United States and one in Australia, with 28 quantitative and four qualitative methodologies. The overall results in terms of breast density awareness, knowledge, communication with healthcare professionals, screening intentions and supplemental screening practice were heterogenous across studies. Barriers to understanding BD notifications and intentions/access to supplemental screening among racial and ethnic minorities included socioeconomic factors, language, health literacy and medical mistrust. CONCLUSIONS A one-size approach to inform women about their BD may further disadvantage racial and ethnic minority women. BD notification and accompanying information should be tailored and translated to ensure readability and understandability by all women.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M J Isautier
- The University of Sydney, Sydney Health Literacy Lab, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, New South Wales Australia; Wiser Healthcare, School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - S Wang
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - N Houssami
- Wiser Healthcare, School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; The Daffodil Centre, The University of Sydney, a Joint Venture with Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - K McCaffery
- The University of Sydney, Sydney Health Literacy Lab, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, New South Wales Australia; Wiser Healthcare, School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - M E Brennan
- Westmead Breast Cancer Institute, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Sydney, Australia; National School of Medicine, University of Notre Dame Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - T Li
- The Daffodil Centre, The University of Sydney, a Joint Venture with Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - B Nickel
- The University of Sydney, Sydney Health Literacy Lab, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, New South Wales Australia; Wiser Healthcare, School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
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Best R, Wilkinson LS, Oliver-Williams C, Tolani F, Yates J. Should we share breast density information during breast cancer screening in the United Kingdom? an integrative review. Br J Radiol 2023; 96:20230122. [PMID: 37751169 PMCID: PMC10646652 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20230122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Dense breasts are an established risk factor for breast cancer and also reduce the sensitivity of mammograms. There is increasing public concern around breast density in the UK, with calls for this information to be shared at breast cancer screening. METHODS We searched the PubMed database, Cochrane Library and grey literature, using broad search terms in October 2022. Two reviewers extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of each included study. The results were narratively synthesised by five research questions: desire for information, communication formats, psychological impact, knowledge impact and behaviour change. RESULTS We identified 19 studies: three Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs), three cohort studies, nine cross-sectional studies, one qualitative interview study, one mixed methods study and two 2021 systematic reviews. Nine studies were based in the United States of America (USA), five in Australia, two in the UK and one in Croatia. One systematic review included 14 USA studies, and the other 27 USA studies, 1 Australian and 1 Canadian. The overall GRADE evidence quality rating for each research question was very low to low.Generally, participants wanted to receive breast density information. Conversations with healthcare professionals were more valued and effective than letters. Breast density awareness after notification varied greatly between studies.Breast density information either did not impact frequency of mammography screening or increased the intentions of participants to return for routine screening as well as intention to access, and uptake of, supplementary screening. People from ethnic minority groups or of lower socioeconomic status (SES) had greater confusion following notification, and, along with those without healthcare insurance, were less likely to access supplementary screening. CONCLUSION Breast density specific research in the UK, including different communities, is needed before the UK considers sharing breast density information at screening. There are also practical considerations around implementation and recording, which need to be addressed. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE Currently, sharing breast density information at breast cancer screening in the UK may not be beneficial to participants and could widen inequalities. UK specific research is needed, and measurement, communication and future testing implications need to be carefully considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Best
- NHS England Screening Quality Assurance Service, Health Education England, England, United Kingdom
| | | | - Clare Oliver-Williams
- NHS England Screening Quality Assurance Service, Health Education England, England, United Kingdom
| | - Foyeke Tolani
- Public Health Department, Bedford Borough Council, Bedford, United Kingdom
| | - Jan Yates
- NHS England Screening Quality Assurance Service, Health Education England, England, United Kingdom
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McCarthy AM, Fernandez Perez C, Beidas RS, Bekelman JE, Blumenthal D, Mack E, Bauer AM, Ehsan S, Conant EF, Wheeler BC, Guerra CE, Nunes LW, Gabriel P, Doucette A, Wileyto EP, Buttenheim AM, Asch DA, Rendle KA, Shelton RC, Fayanju OM, Ware S, Plag M, Hyland S, Gionta T, Shulman LN, Schnoll R. Protocol for a pragmatic stepped wedge cluster randomized clinical trial testing behavioral economic implementation strategies to increase supplemental breast MRI screening among patients with extremely dense breasts. Implement Sci 2023; 18:65. [PMID: 38001506 PMCID: PMC10668465 DOI: 10.1186/s13012-023-01323-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increased breast density augments breast cancer risk and reduces mammography sensitivity. Supplemental breast MRI screening can significantly increase cancer detection among women with dense breasts. However, few women undergo this exam, and screening is consistently lower among racially minoritized populations. Implementation strategies informed by behavioral economics ("nudges") can promote evidence-based practices by improving clinician decision-making under conditions of uncertainty. Nudges directed toward clinicians and patients may facilitate the implementation of supplemental breast MRI. METHODS Approximately 1600 patients identified as having extremely dense breasts after non-actionable mammograms, along with about 1100 clinicians involved with their care at 32 primary care or OB/GYN clinics across a racially diverse academically based health system, will be enrolled. A 2 × 2 randomized pragmatic trial will test nudges to patients, clinicians, both, or neither to promote supplemental breast MRI screening. Before implementation, rapid cycle approaches informed by clinician and patient experiences and behavioral economics and health equity frameworks guided nudge design. Clinicians will be clustered into clinic groups based on existing administrative departments and care patterns, and these clinic groups will be randomized to have the nudge activated at different times per a stepped wedge design. Clinicians will receive nudges integrated into the routine mammographic report or sent through electronic health record (EHR) in-basket messaging once their clinic group (i.e., wedge) is randomized to receive the intervention. Independently, patients will be randomized to receive text message nudges or not. The primary outcome will be defined as ordering or scheduling supplemental breast MRI. Secondary outcomes include MRI completion, cancer detection rates, and false-positive rates. Patient sociodemographic information and clinic-level variables will be examined as moderators of nudge effectiveness. Qualitative interviews conducted at the trial's conclusion will examine barriers and facilitators to implementation. DISCUSSION This study will add to the growing literature on the effectiveness of behavioral economics-informed implementation strategies to promote evidence-based interventions. The design will facilitate testing the relative effects of nudges to patients and clinicians and the effects of moderators of nudge effectiveness, including key indicators of health disparities. The results may inform the introduction of low-cost, scalable implementation strategies to promote early breast cancer detection. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05787249. Registered on March 28, 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Marie McCarthy
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Penn Center for Cancer Care Innovation, Abramson Cancer Center, Penn Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Blockley Hall, 423 Guardian Drive, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | | | - Rinad S Beidas
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Justin E Bekelman
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Penn Center for Cancer Care Innovation, Abramson Cancer Center, Penn Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Daniel Blumenthal
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research On Nicotine Addiction, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Mack
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Anna-Marika Bauer
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research On Nicotine Addiction, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sarah Ehsan
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Emily F Conant
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Carmen E Guerra
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Penn Center for Cancer Care Innovation, Abramson Cancer Center, Penn Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Linda W Nunes
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Peter Gabriel
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Penn Center for Cancer Care Innovation, Abramson Cancer Center, Penn Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Abigail Doucette
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - E Paul Wileyto
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Blockley Hall, 423 Guardian Drive, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research On Nicotine Addiction, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alison M Buttenheim
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Penn Center for Cancer Care Innovation, Abramson Cancer Center, Penn Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - David A Asch
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Penn Center for Cancer Care Innovation, Abramson Cancer Center, Penn Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Katharine A Rendle
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Penn Center for Cancer Care Innovation, Abramson Cancer Center, Penn Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Blockley Hall, 423 Guardian Drive, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Rachel C Shelton
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Oluwadamilola M Fayanju
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Penn Center for Cancer Care Innovation, Abramson Cancer Center, Penn Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sue Ware
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research On Nicotine Addiction, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Martina Plag
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Steven Hyland
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Tracy Gionta
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lawrence N Shulman
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Penn Center for Cancer Care Innovation, Abramson Cancer Center, Penn Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Robert Schnoll
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Penn Center for Cancer Care Innovation, Abramson Cancer Center, Penn Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research On Nicotine Addiction, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Nickel B, Ormiston‐Smith N, Hammerton L, Cvejic E, Vardon P, Mcinally Z, Legerton P, Baker K, Isautier J, Larsen E, Giles M, Brennan ME, McCaffery KJ, Houssami N. Psychosocial outcomes and health service use after notifying women participating in population breast screening when they have dense breasts: a BreastScreen Queensland randomised controlled trial. Med J Aust 2023; 219:423-428. [PMID: 37751916 PMCID: PMC10952548 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.52117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Robust evidence regarding the benefits and harms of notifying Australian women when routine breast screening identifies that they have dense breasts is needed for informing future mammography population screening practice and policy. OBJECTIVES To assess the psychosocial and health services use effects of notifying women participating in population-based breast cancer screening that they have dense breasts; to examine whether the mode of communicating this information about its implications (print, online formats) influences these effects. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The study population comprises women aged 40 years or older who attend BreastScreen Queensland Sunshine Coast services for mammographic screening and are found to have dense breasts (BI-RADS density C or D). The randomised controlled trial includes three arms (952 women each): standard BreastScreen care (no notification of breast density; control arm); notification of dense breasts in screening results letter and print health literacy-sensitive information (intervention arm 1) or a link or QR code to online video-based health literacy-sensitive information (intervention arm 2). Baseline demographic data will be obtained from BreastScreen Queensland. Outcomes data will be collected in questionnaires at baseline and eight weeks, twelve months, and 27 months after breast screening. Primary outcomes will be psychological outcomes and health service use; secondary outcomes will be supplemental screening outcomes, cancer worry, perceived breast cancer risk, knowledge about breast density, future mammographic screening intentions, and acceptability of notification about dense breasts. ETHICS APPROVAL Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service Ethics Committee (HREC/2023/QGC/89770); Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service Research Governance and Development (SSA/2023/QSC/89770). DISSEMINATION OF FINDINGS Findings will be reported in peer-reviewed journals and at national and international conferences. They will also be reported to BreastScreen Queensland, BreastScreen Australia, Cancer Australia, and other bodies involved in cancer care and screening, including patient and support organisations. TRIAL REGISTRATION Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12623000001695p (prospective: 9 January 2023).
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke Nickel
- School of Public Healththe University of SydneySydneyNSW
| | | | - Lisa Hammerton
- Sunshine Coast Service, BreastScreen QueenslandNambourQLD
| | - Erin Cvejic
- School of Public Healththe University of SydneySydneyNSW
| | - Paul Vardon
- Cancer Screening Unit, Queensland Department of HealthBrisbaneQLD
| | - Zoe Mcinally
- Cancer Screening Unit, Queensland Department of HealthBrisbaneQLD
| | - Paula Legerton
- Cancer Screening Unit, Queensland Department of HealthBrisbaneQLD
| | - Karen Baker
- Cancer Screening Unit, Queensland Department of HealthBrisbaneQLD
| | | | - Emma Larsen
- Sunshine Coast Service, BreastScreen QueenslandNambourQLD
| | | | - Meagan E Brennan
- School of Public Healththe University of SydneySydneyNSW
- The University of Notre Dame AustraliaSydneyNSW
| | | | - Nehmat Houssami
- School of Public Healththe University of SydneySydneyNSW
- The Daffodil Centre, the University of Sydney and Cancer Council NSWSydneyNSW
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Pandya T, Liu Z, Dolan H, Hersch J, Brennan M, Houssami N, Nickel B. Australian Women's Responses to Breast Density Information: A Content Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1596. [PMID: 36674351 PMCID: PMC9861812 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Breast density (BD) is an independent risk factor for breast cancer and reduces mammographic sensitivity. This study explored women's responses and intentions if notified that they had dense breasts. METHODS Content analysis was used to assess responses from a written questionnaire undertaken in conjunction with focus groups on BD involving 78 Australian women aged 40-74. RESULTS Half the women reported that they would feel a little anxious if notified they had dense breasts, while 29.5% would not feel anxious. The most common theme (29.5%) related to anxiety was the psychosocial impact of the possibility of developing cancer, and women believed that being better informed could help with anxiety (26.9%). When asked what they would do if notified of having dense breasts, the most common response was to consult their doctor for information/advice (38.5%), followed by considering supplemental screening (23%). Consequently, when asked directly, 65.4% were interested in undergoing supplemental screening, while others (10.3%) said they "wouldn't worry about it too much". DISCUSSION These findings have important implications for health systems with population-based breast screening programs that are currently considering widespread BD notification in terms of the impact on women, health services and primary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanvi Pandya
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Zixuan Liu
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Hankiz Dolan
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Jolyn Hersch
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Meagan Brennan
- Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
- The National School of Medicine, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Nehmat Houssami
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- The Daffodil Centre, The University of Sydney, a Joint Venture with Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Brooke Nickel
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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Nickel B, Copp T, Li T, Dolan H, Brennan M, Verde A, Vaccaro L, McCaffery K, Houssami N. A systematic assessment of online international breast density information. Breast 2022; 65:23-31. [PMID: 35763979 PMCID: PMC9240362 DOI: 10.1016/j.breast.2022.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast density has become a topic of international discussion due to its associated risk of breast cancer. As online is often a primary source of women's health information it is therefore essential that breast density information it is understandable, accurate and reflects the best available evidence. This study aimed to systematically assess online international breast density information including recommendations to women. METHODS Searches were conducted from five different English-speaking country-specific Google locations. Relevant breast density information was extracted from the identified websites. Readability was assessed using the SHeLL Editor, and understandability and actionability using the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT). A content analysis of specific recommendations to women was also conducted. RESULTS Forty-two eligible websites were identified and systematically assessed. The included informational content varied across websites. The average grade reading level across all websites was 12.4 (range 8.9-15.4). The mean understandability was 69.9% and the mean actionability was 40.1%, with 18/42 and 39/42 websites respectively scoring lower than adequate (70%). Thirty-six (85.7%) of the websites had breast density-related recommendation to women, with 'talk to your doctor' (n = 33, 78.6%) the most common. CONCLUSIONS Online information about breast density varies widely and is not generally presented in a way that women can easily understand and act on, therefore greatly reducing the ability for informed decision-making. International organisations and groups disseminating breast density information need to ensure that women are presented with health literacy-sensitive and balanced information, and be aware of the impact that recommendations may have on practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke Nickel
- Wiser Healthcare, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Sydney Health Literacy Lab, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Tessa Copp
- Wiser Healthcare, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Sydney Health Literacy Lab, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Tong Li
- The Daffodil Centre, The University of Sydney, A Joint Venture with Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Hankiz Dolan
- Wiser Healthcare, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Meagan Brennan
- The University of Notre Dame Australia, School of Medicine Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Westmead Breast Cancer Institute, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Angela Verde
- Breast Cancer Network Australia, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lisa Vaccaro
- Health Consumers New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Discipline of Behavioural and Social Sciences in Health, Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kirsten McCaffery
- Wiser Healthcare, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Sydney Health Literacy Lab, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nehmat Houssami
- Wiser Healthcare, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; The Daffodil Centre, The University of Sydney, A Joint Venture with Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, Australia
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Dolan H, McCaffery K, Houssami N, Cvejic E, Brennan M, Hersch J, Dorrington M, Verde A, Vaccaro L, Nickel B. Australian Women's Intentions and Psychological Outcomes Related to Breast Density Notification and Information: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2216784. [PMID: 35708691 PMCID: PMC9204548 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.16784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Whether the benefits of notifying women about breast density outweigh the potential harms to inform current and future mammogram screening practice remains unknown. OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of mammographic breast density notification and information provision on women's intention to seek supplemental screening and psychological outcomes. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A 3-arm online randomized clinical trial was conducted from August 10 to 31, 2021. Data analysis was conducted from September 1 to October 20, 2021. Participants included Australian residents identifying as female, aged between 40 and 74 years, with no history of breast cancer who were residing in jurisdictions without existing breast density notification with screening mammograms. INTERVENTIONS Women were randomized to receive 1 of the following hypothetical breast screening test result letters: screening mammogram result letter without breast density messaging (control), screening mammogram result letter with breast density messaging and an existing density information letter taken from a screening service in Australia (intervention 1), and screening mammogram result letter with breast density messaging and a health literacy-sensitive version of the letter adapted for people with lower health literacy (intervention 2). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Primary outcomes were intention to seek supplemental screening; feeling anxious (uneasy, worried, or nervous), informed, or confused; and having breast cancer worry. RESULTS A total of 1420 Australian women were randomized and included in the final analysis. The largest group consisted of 603 women aged 60 to 74 years (42.5%). Compared with the control cohort (n = 480), women who received density notification via intervention 1 (n = 470) and intervention 2 (n = 470) reported a significantly higher intention to seek supplemental screening (0.8% vs 15.6% and 14.2%; P < .001) and feeling anxious (14.2% vs 49.4% and 48.5%; P < .001), confusion (7.8% vs 24.0% and 23.6%; P < .001), and worry about breast cancer (quite/very worried: 6.9% vs 17.2% and 15.5%; P < .001). There were no statistically significant differences in these outcomes between the 2 intervention groups. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this randomized clinical trial, breast density notification and information integrated with screening mammogram results increased women's intention to seek supplemental screening and made women feel anxious, confused, or worried about breast cancer. These findings have relevance and implications for mammogram screening services and policy makers considering whether and, if so, how best to implement widespread notification of breast density as part of mammography screening. TRIAL REGISTRATION ACTRN12621000253808.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hankiz Dolan
- Wiser Healthcare, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Sydney Health Literacy Lab, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kirsten McCaffery
- Wiser Healthcare, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Sydney Health Literacy Lab, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nehmat Houssami
- Wiser Healthcare, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- The Daffodil Centre, The University of Sydney, a joint venture with Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Erin Cvejic
- Wiser Healthcare, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Sydney Health Literacy Lab, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Meagan Brennan
- University of Notre Dame Australia, School of Medicine Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Westmead Breast Cancer Institute, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jolyn Hersch
- Wiser Healthcare, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Sydney Health Literacy Lab, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Angela Verde
- Breast Cancer Network Australia, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lisa Vaccaro
- Health Consumers New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Discipline of Behavioural and Social Sciences in Health, Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Brooke Nickel
- Wiser Healthcare, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Sydney Health Literacy Lab, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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8
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Nickel B, Houssami N. Improving Breast Density Communication: Does the Provision of Complex Health Information Online Work? J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2021; 30:1527-1528. [PMID: 34520271 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2021.0388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Brooke Nickel
- Wiser Healthcare and Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Sydney Health Literacy Lab, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nehmat Houssami
- Wiser Healthcare and Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,The Daffodil Centre, The University of Sydney, A Joint Venture with Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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