Abstract
Introduction: Increased knowledge of breast cancer risk factors may enable a paradigm
shift from one-size-fits-all breast cancer screening to screening and subsequent
prevention guided by a woman's individual risk of breast cancer. Professionals will play
a key role in informing women about this new personalised screening and prevention
programme. Therefore, it is essential to explore professionals' views of the
acceptability of this new programme, since this may affect shared decision-making.
Methods: Professionals from three European countries (the Netherlands, United
Kingdom, and Sweden) participated in digital concept mapping, a systematic mixed
methods approach used to explore complex multidimensional constructs.
Results: Across the three countries, professionals prioritised the following five themes
which may impact decision-making from the perspective of eligible women: (1)
Anxiety/worry; (2) Proactive approach; (3) Reassurance; (4) Lack of knowledge; and
(5) Organisation of risk assessment and feedback. Furthermore, Dutch and British
professionals expressed concerns regarding the acceptability of a heterogeneous
screening policy, suggesting women will question their risk feedback and assigned
pathway of care. Swedish professionals emphasised the potential impact of the
programme on family relations.
Conclusions: The perspectives of Dutch, British, and Swedish professionals of
women's decision-making regarding personalised breast cancer screening and
prevention generally appear in line with women's own views of acceptability as
previously reported. This will facilitate shared decision-making. However, concerns
regarding potential consequences of this new programme for screening outcomes and
organisation need to be addressed, since this may affect how professionals
communicate the programme to eligible women.
shift from one-size-fits-all breast cancer screening to screening and subsequent
prevention guided by a woman's individual risk of breast cancer. Professionals will play
a key role in informing women about this new personalised screening and prevention
programme. Therefore, it is essential to explore professionals' views of the
acceptability of this new programme, since this may affect shared decision-making.
Methods: Professionals from three European countries (the Netherlands, United
Kingdom, and Sweden) participated in digital concept mapping, a systematic mixed
methods approach used to explore complex multidimensional constructs.
Results: Across the three countries, professionals prioritised the following five themes
which may impact decision-making from the perspective of eligible women: (1)
Anxiety/worry; (2) Proactive approach; (3) Reassurance; (4) Lack of knowledge; and
(5) Organisation of risk assessment and feedback. Furthermore, Dutch and British
professionals expressed concerns regarding the acceptability of a heterogeneous
screening policy, suggesting women will question their risk feedback and assigned
pathway of care. Swedish professionals emphasised the potential impact of the
programme on family relations.
Conclusions: The perspectives of Dutch, British, and Swedish professionals of
women's decision-making regarding personalised breast cancer screening and
prevention generally appear in line with women's own views of acceptability as
previously reported. This will facilitate shared decision-making. However, concerns
regarding potential consequences of this new programme for screening outcomes and
organisation need to be addressed, since this may affect how professionals
communicate the programme to eligible women.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | PLoS ONE |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Jun 2018 |
Keywords
- breast cancer
- risk stratification
- screening
- prevention
- acceptability
