Kathryn A Robb1, Anne Miles, John Campbell, Philip Evans, Jane Wardle. 1. Cancer Research UK Health Behaviour Unit, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK. k.robb@ucl.ac.uk
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.
RCT Entities:
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.
Authors: Friederike Stölzel; Nadja Seidel; Stefan Uhmann; Michael Baumann; Hendrik Berth; Jürgen Hoyer; Gerhard Ehninger Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2014-04-23 Impact factor: 3.295
Authors: Lesley M McGregor; Sara Tookey; Rosalind Raine; Christian von Wagner; Georgia Black Journal: Gastroenterol Res Pract Date: 2018-06-07 Impact factor: 2.260
Authors: Charlotte Vrinten; Cornelia H M van Jaarsveld; Jo Waller; Christian von Wagner; Jane Wardle Journal: BMC Cancer Date: 2014-08-16 Impact factor: 4.430
Authors: Ruth E C Evans; Melanie Morris; Mandeep Sekhon; Marta Buszewicz; Fiona M Walter; Jo Waller; Alice E Simon Journal: Br J Gen Pract Date: 2014-06 Impact factor: 5.386
Authors: Melanie Morris; Claire Friedemann Smith; Emily Boxell; Jane Wardle; Alice Simon; Jo Waller Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2016-05-04 Impact factor: 3.295