Abstract
Background/Methods. We report survey results of the types of tools used to communicate with women about breast cancer screening and the content areas included in each tool for member countries of the International Breast Cancer Screening Network (IBSN). Results. In addition to using pamphlets and invitation letters, new technologies are being used such as the Internet which allows for easy updating of information and can provide interactive modules. Several countries have addressed the needs of specific populations such as indigenous populations or blind women. All countries provide basic information, although they do not provide all the same information. Conclusion. More research is needed to understand what women need to make an informed decision about mammography and to learn what the best modalities are to provide this information. J Cancer Educ. 2007; 22:25–31.
Acknowledgments
We want to thank Ashley Bloomfield (NZ), Gregory Doyle (CA), Matti Hakama (FI), Andriana Koukari (AU), Gonzalo Pou (UR), Gad Rennert (IL), and Helene Sancho-Garnier (FR) for their contributions to the IBSN Communications Work Group; Nieves Ascunce and Ana Barcos (SP), Jean-Luc Bulliard (CH), Brian Cox (NZ), Jacques Fracheboud and Hanny Gronwoud (NL), Julietta Patrick (UK), Baldur Sigfüsson (IS), and Ilse Vejborg (DK) for providing the data for this study; and Nereo Segnan (IT) of the European Breast Cancer Screening Network for leading the way in this work and sharing their progress to date with us. We also want to thank Michelle McGee for help with data collection and Barbara Rimer (UNC), Helen Messier (NCI), and Carrie Klabunde (NCI) for providing guidance in the development of the questionnaire.
Notes
*This study was funded by the National Cancer Institute in the U.S. however, all opinions and findings are the sole responsibility of the authors. The views expressed do not necessarily represent those of the U.S. Government.