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Cancer Risk Information (cancer + risk_information)
Selected AbstractsConceptual problems in laypersons' understanding of individualized cancer risk: a qualitative studyHEALTH EXPECTATIONS, Issue 1 2009Paul K. J. Han MD MA MPH Abstract Objective, To explore laypersons' understanding of individualized cancer risk estimates, and to identify conceptual problems that may limit this understanding. Background, Risk prediction models are increasingly used to provide people with information about their individual risk of cancer and other diseases. However, laypersons may have difficulty understanding individualized risk information, because of conceptual as well as computational problems. Design, A qualitative study was conducted using focus groups. Semi-structured interviews explored participants' understandings of the concept of risk, and their interpretations of a hypothetical individualized colorectal cancer risk estimate. Setting and participants, Eight focus groups were conducted with 48 adults aged 50,74 years residing in two major US metropolitan areas. Participants had high school or greater education, some familiarity with information technology, and no personal or family history of cancer. Results, Several important conceptual problems were identified. Most participants thought of risk not as a neutral statistical concept, but as signifying danger and emotional threat, and viewed cancer risk in terms of concrete risk factors rather than mathematical probabilities. Participants had difficulty acknowledging uncertainty implicit to the concept of risk, and judging the numerical significance of individualized risk estimates. The most challenging conceptual problems related to conflict between subjective and objective understandings of risk, and difficulties translating aggregate-level objective risk estimates to the individual level. Conclusions, Several conceptual problems limit laypersons' understanding of individualized cancer risk information. These problems have implications for future research on health numeracy, and for the application of risk prediction models in clinical and public health settings. [source] Communication and decision-making about seeking inherited cancer risk information: findings from female survivor-relative focus groupsPSYCHO-ONCOLOGY, Issue 3 2006Suzanne Mellon Abstract Dramatic advances in cancer genetics and identification of germline mutations in cancer genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 have led to new options in genetic risk assessment for families with histories of breast and ovarian cancer. However, little research has been carried out with individuals and their families regarding how cancer risk information is communicated within families and factors that may affect individuals and family members making informed decisions about their health. This study explored participants' knowledge of cancer risk, their perceptions and concerns regarding inherited cancer risk information, family communication patterns, and factors that may affect their decision to learn about inherited cancer risk in their families. Nine focus groups of family dyads were conducted (N=39) consisting of breast or ovarian cancer patients and close female relatives. All transcribed interviews were analyzed using qualitative software. Key findings showed diversity in how families communicated and made decisions about their health, persistent worry for their families, lack of knowledge about inherited cancer, vigilance in watching their health, and barriers present in communicating about genetic risk. Results from this study support inclusion of family members in addressing inherited cancer risk information and contextual family factors critical to consider in potentially high risk families. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] | ||||||||||