What do women think about having received their breast cancer risk as part of a risk-stratified NHS Breast Screening Programme? A qualitative study

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Risk-stratified screening is being considered for national breast screening programmes. It is unclear how women experience risk-stratified screening and receipt of breast cancer risk information in real time. This study aimed to explore the psychological impact of undergoing risk-stratified screening within England's NHS Breast Screening Programme.

METHODS: Individual telephone interviews were conducted with 40 women who participated in the BC-Predict study and received a letter indicating their estimated breast cancer risk as one of four risk categories: low (<2% 10-year risk), average (2-4.99%), above average (moderate; 5-7.99%) or high (≥8%). Audio-recorded interview transcriptions were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

RESULTS: Two themes were produced: 'From risk expectations to what's my future health story?' highlights that women overall valued the opportunity to receive risk estimates; however, when these were discordant with perceived risk, this causes temporary distress or rejection of the information. 'Being a good (woman) citizen' where women felt positive contributing to society but may feel judged if they then cannot exert agency over the management of their risk or access follow-up support CONCLUSIONS: Risk-stratified breast screening was generally accepted without causing long-lasting distress; however, issues related to risk communication and access to care pathways need to be considered for implementation.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)356–365
Number of pages10
JournalBJC
Volume129
Issue number2
Early online date24 May 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 10 Aug 2023

Keywords

  • breast cancer
  • risk assessment
  • risk stratification
  • screening
  • mammography
  • risk communication
  • psychological impact
  • State Medicine
  • Risk Assessment
  • Early Detection of Cancer
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • England
  • Mass Screening
  • Breast Neoplasms/psychology
  • Female
  • Aged
  • Qualitative Research

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