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Australian Women’s Responses to Breast Density Information: A Content Analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Tanvi Pandya

    (Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia)

  • Zixuan Liu

    (Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia)

  • Hankiz Dolan

    (Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia)

  • Jolyn Hersch

    (Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia)

  • Meagan Brennan

    (Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
    The National School of Medicine, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia)

  • Nehmat Houssami

    (Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
    The Daffodil Centre, The University of Sydney, a Joint Venture with Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia)

  • Brooke Nickel

    (Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia)

Abstract

Breast density (BD) is an independent risk factor for breast cancer and reduces mammographic sensitivity. This study explored women’s responses and intentions if notified that they had dense breasts. Methods: Content analysis was used to assess responses from a written questionnaire undertaken in conjunction with focus groups on BD involving 78 Australian women aged 40–74. Results: Half the women reported that they would feel a little anxious if notified they had dense breasts, while 29.5% would not feel anxious. The most common theme (29.5%) related to anxiety was the psychosocial impact of the possibility of developing cancer, and women believed that being better informed could help with anxiety (26.9%). When asked what they would do if notified of having dense breasts, the most common response was to consult their doctor for information/advice (38.5%), followed by considering supplemental screening (23%). Consequently, when asked directly, 65.4% were interested in undergoing supplemental screening, while others (10.3%) said they “wouldn’t worry about it too much”. Discussion: These findings have important implications for health systems with population-based breast screening programs that are currently considering widespread BD notification in terms of the impact on women, health services and primary care.

Suggested Citation

  • Tanvi Pandya & Zixuan Liu & Hankiz Dolan & Jolyn Hersch & Meagan Brennan & Nehmat Houssami & Brooke Nickel, 2023. "Australian Women’s Responses to Breast Density Information: A Content Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(2), pages 1-11, January.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:2:p:1596-:d:1037080
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