Testing Theory-Based Messages to Encourage Women at Average Risk for Breast Cancer to Consider Biennial Mammography Screening.

The US Preventive Services Task Force does not recommend routine annual mammography screening for women aged 40­49 at average risk. This study aimed to assess the impact of theory-based persuasive messages on women's willingness to delay mammography screening until age 50 or opt for biennial screenings. In a randomized online experiment, 383 U.S. women aged 40­49 at average risk for breast cancer were assigned to three different message groups. The results showed that women exposed to messaging that included mammography risks, family history-based genetic risk, and behavioral alternatives were significantly more willing to delay screening until age 50. However, there were no significant differences in willingness to reduce screening frequency. The tested communication messages effectively shifted women's breast cancer-related risk perceptions without causing unnecessary worry. Providing women with screening information and options may help initiate challenging discussions with providers about potentially low-value screening.