In these instances, the use of risk assessment tools can provide useful guidance. However, for women with any risk profile, it cannot be emphasised too strongly that these tools produce only a probability of developing breast cancer at some point in the future, based on the observed experience or large groups of women in prior studies. As the risk profile becomes more serious, so too does the uncertainty about the magnitude of the risk. Conversely, a woman with a lower than average risk profile, may develop a false sense of reassurance about her risk of breast cancer, which at the lowest levels is still a comparatively high risk for a serious chronic disease. This heightened attention to breast cancer, and heightened concern about breast cancer has led to questions about what is being accomplished with risk communication.
Studies show that few women correctly estimate their risk of breast cancer.
For countries that have instituted screening, new approaches to risk communication are needed, as well as new research about the role of risk to establish screening protocols. For countries about to institute screening, the health education experience of the U.S. and European efforts can be instructive. Issues are here today, gone tomorrow, and do not distinguish bad science from good science. Shapiro S, Strax P, Venet L. Periodic breast cancer screening in reducing mortality from breast cancer. Feuer E, Wun L, Boring C. Probability of developing cancer.