Abstract P6-14-08: Effects of online resource to support laypersons' understanding of media reports on breast cancer research
Authors: Pugh Yi RH , Rezende L , Dearfield CT , Welcsh PL , Friedman SJ 
Published: May 2019

Rationale: Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women ages 20 to 39. Approximately 7% of women with breast cancer are diagnosed before age 40. Women age 45 or younger with breast cancer or who are at high risk for breast cancer have distinct health risks and different needs from their older counterparts. Breast cancer risk, etiology, treatment, outcomes, and related survivorship and quality of life concerns often vary between younger and older women. Diagnosis at a young age is associated with higher risk of recurrence, second malignancy, mortality, morbidity, and quality of life issues.

Young women with or at high risk for breast cancer need clearly presented information based on sound evidence to help them make informed decisions about their specific health needs. To help women better understand media coverage about new research, Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE) developed XRAYS (eXamining Relevance of Articles to Young Survivors). XRAYS is an online resource that provides brief articles summarizing recent research relevant to young women with or at risk for breast cancer. XRAYS articles rate the quality and relevance of scientific research and the quality of media reporting on that research.

Objectives: The objectives of the current project were to:

1) conduct an initial test of XRAYS's effectiveness in improving users' knowledge about information covered in media reports

2) assess the degree to which XRAYS facilitates awareness of recent research findings

3) Obtain feedback regarding XRAYS' utility and appeal

4) Use results to inform XRAYS development

Methods and Results: An independent evaluator randomly assigned 21 participants to a treatment (read media article plus XRAYS review) or control (read media article only) condition. Each respondent completed multiple choice pre- and post-intervention tests about information contained in one of three media reports (Two respondents took their written surveys with them. Statistical analyses were conducted on data from the remaining respondents). Results demonstrate that both groups improved between pre- and post-test. The treatment group increased knowledge significantly more than the control group.

Table 1.Results of within group comparisonsGroupNPre-test Mean, Percentage Correct Responses (s.d.)Post-test Mean, Percentage Correct Responses (s.d.)t-score (d.f.)PComparison Group857.5 (12.82)72.5 (23.75)-2.05 (7)n.s.XRAYS1152.73 (20.54)87.27 (16.18)-7.29 (10)&lt;.001

Table 2.Results of between group comparisonGroupNMean Change Score (s.d.)t-score (d.f.)PComparison Group815.00 (20.70)-2.34 (18)&lt;.05XRAYS1134.55 (15.72)  

Participants also contributed to one of three focus groups. Focus group results indicate that XRAYS is a valuable resource for identifying relevant recent research findings and for explaining limitations in research methods, relevance, and reporting quality. Results also indicate that it is critical for XRAYS to be brief, use non-technical language, and address the most recent trends in media coverage. FORCE is using focus group feedback to guide decisions about XRAYS content, format, and dissemination. FORCE will collect additional data to confirm test findings and to assess effects of XRAYS on understanding of evidence quality.

Citation Format: Pugh Yi RH, Rezende L, Dearfield CT, Welcsh PL, Friedman SJ. Effects of online resource to support laypersons' understanding of media reports on breast cancer research [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-14-08.