Communicating breast cancer risks: a genetic counsellor´s role in improving patient understanding to increase informed decision-making (BRISC)
Background
Understanding risks is considered to be crucial for informed decision-making. Inaccurate risk perception is a common finding in women with a family history of breast cancer attending genetic counseling. As yet, it is unclear how risks should best be communicated in clinical practice.The principal aim of the BRISC (Breast cancer RISk Communication) study is to evaluate the effect of different formats of risk communication on the counsellee’s risk perception, psychological well-being and decision-making regarding preventive options for breast cancer among women with low and moderate cancer risk receiving standard counselling for breast cancer in a family cancer clinic.
The results can be used to optimize risk communication in order to improve informed decision-making among women with a family history of breast cancer. They may also be useful for risk communication in other health-related services.
Trial registration: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN14566836.