Attitudes of women in their forties toward the 2009 USPSTF mammogram guidelines: a randomized trial on the effects of media exposure

Attitudes of women in their forties toward the 2009 USPSTF mammogram guidelines: a randomized trial on the effects of media exposure
AuTumn S. Davidson, MD
Affiliations
Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA
Corresponding Author: AuTumn Davidson, MD, PGy3. UMass Memorial Hospital OB-Gyn Resident, 119 Belmont St. Worcester, MA, 01605. Phone: 508-334-8459 Fax: 508-334-6344.
, Xun Liao, MS
Affiliations
Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, B. Dale Magee, MD, MS
Affiliations
Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MADivision of Public Health, Worcester, MA

Abstract
Objective:
To assess womens' attitudes toward 2009 USPSTF mammography screening guideline changes, and evaluate the role of media in shaping opinions.

Study Design:
247 women, aged 39-49, presenting for annual exams randomized to read one of two articles, and survey completion.

Results:
88% overestimated lifetime Breast cancer (BrCa) risk. 89% want yearly mammograms in forties. 86% felt changes were ‘unsafe’, and even if doctor-recommended, 85% would not delay screening until age 50. Those with a friend/relative with BrCa were more likely to want annual mammography in their forties (92% vs 77% P=0.001), and feel changes unsafe (92% vs 69% P=<0.0001). Participants with previous false-positive mammograms were less likely to accept doctor-recommended screening delay until age 50 (8% vs 20%) P=0.01. Conclusions: Women overestimate BrCa risk. Skepticism of new mammogram guidelines exists, and is increased by exposure to negative media. Those with prior false-positive mammograms are less likely to accept changes Attitudes of women in their forties toward the 2009 USPSTF mammogram guidelines: a randomized trial on the effects of media exposure