Robb, K.A. and Miles, Anne and Campbell, J. and Evans, P. and Wardle, J. (2006) Can cancer risk information raise awareness without increasing anxiety? A randomized trial. Preventive Medicine 43 (3), pp. 187-190. ISSN 0091-7435.
Abstract
Objective: Promoting public awareness of cancer risk factors is an important public health goal, but there is concern that it could heighten anxiety. This study examined the impact of mailed information about colorectal cancer on awareness of risk factors, emotional well-being, and interest in attending screening in a population not previously exposed to screening. Method: Individuals (3,185) aged 45–66 years registered with general practitioners in South-West England in 2004 were randomized to (1) control group (no information), (2) information on colorectal cancer risk factors, or (3) information on risk factors and colorectal screening. All participants were sent a questionnaire assessing knowledge, anxiety, worry about colorectal cancer, and interest in screening. Results: Questionnaires (1,945; 61%) were returned. As expected, participants receiving information had significantly greater knowledge than the control group. Anxiety scores were in the normal range and neither anxiety nor worry about cancer differed significantly between the groups. Ninety-three percent of respondents indicated they would be interested in screening, with equally high levels across groups. Conclusion: This study suggests that information leaflets can promote knowledge of cancer risk factors without increasing anxiety. Low-cost educational materials have the potential to contribute to public engagement with health promotion and disease prevention.
Metadata
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Keyword(s) / Subject(s): | Cancer risk information, Psychological well-being, Colorectal cancer, Cancer awareness |
| School: | Birkbeck Faculties and Schools > Faculty of Science > School of Psychological Sciences |
| Depositing User: | Administrator |
| Date Deposited: | 09 May 2013 11:12 |
| Last Modified: | 02 Aug 2023 17:03 |
| URI: | https://eprints.bbk.ac.uk/id/eprint/6651 |
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