The Effects of Information Displays in Decisions about Tamoxifen Use for Breast Cancer Chemoprevention
Abstract
We sought to test as part of 2 x 2 factorial design whether varying the numerical format of presenting breast cancer risk information using the Gail Score (percentage versus frequencies) and Tamoxifen's (percentage versus frequency)risks and benefits would affect among women eligible for Tamoxifen their perceptions of breast cancer risk, paying attention to and weighing of Tamoxifen's risks and benefits, interesting and using Tamoxifen, and their willingness to talk to their physician about Tamoxifen. Overall, there was no effect for formats across these outcomes. Overall, about half of the participants could not accurately state whether Tamoxifen's benefits exceeded the risks or vice versa. The majority (~70%) decided not take Tamoxifen; about 30% decided to delay making a decision. These data suggest that more research is needed to improve women's accuracy of weighing Tamoxifen's risk and benefits and exploring further why many decide not to take Tamoxifen, even among those who viewed they would personally benefit from its usage. Numerical display format played no role in these processes.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA483059
Entities
People
- Isaac Lipkus
Organizations
- Duke University