During the initial cancer genetic consultation, most women were informed of their cancer genetic predisposition probability using the verbal categories 'low', 'moderate'highigh' or 'very high'.
It has been suggested that the arguments that cancer patients from Asian cultures have different preferences regarding being informed of their cancer diagnosis and that family members have legitimate superior power in decision-making could not be supported from studies compiling data from these countries [ 32].
These results may be related to the homogeneity of our study participants, all of whom have been informed of their increased cancer risk through genetic counseling, knew themselves to be BRCA mutation-positive; have chosen breast cancer screening rather than prophylactic mastectomy to manage their risk; and, for the majority, have not developed a BRCA-related malignancy.
However, in both studies, women were surveyed after diagnosis, whereas in our study we surveyed the women before surgery and thus before they were informed of the diagnosis of cancer.
Research published today suggests women should be better informed of the harms of breast cancer screening, including the increased likelihood of having a mastectomy and receiving radiotherapy.
WHO also keeps member countries informed of the latest developments in cancer research, drug development, disease prevention, control of drug addiction, vaccine use, and health hazards of chemicals and other substances.
Table 3 shows that the sample of men utilizing the DA and historical controls had similar knowledge of their own pathology results, with the exception that the DA sample were less likely to be informed of the stage of their cancer (Fisher's Exact Test P-value = 0.003).
Colorectal patients with cancer had significantly shorter time intervals between referral and being informed of diagnosis than colorectal patients without cancer (mean 33.8 (s.d. 48.9) days and mean 84.8 (s.d. 67.7) days, respectively, Wilcoxon P=0.003; see Table 3).
They report better psychological states because they feel better physically and because they may also possess other information about their health status, as when cancer patients are informed of the treatment they will receive and their prognosis.
Findings from this study should inform implementation of cancer screening within safety net primary care practices.
