Understanding how emotions affect decisions about breast cancer screening

Understanding affective processing of scientific evidence to promote informed choice for breast cancer screening

NIH-funded research University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11082239

This study is looking at how women's feelings and thoughts affect their choices about breast cancer screening, especially for those aged 40-49, to help them make informed decisions based on their personal risk and preferences.

Quick facts

Grant typeR37 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Colorado Denver NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11082239 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how women's feelings and perceptions influence their decisions regarding breast cancer screening, particularly in light of new guidelines that emphasize personalized risk assessment. It aims to understand the emotional responses women have to information about the benefits and harms of screening, especially for those aged 40-49. By using focus groups and decision aids, the study seeks to empower women to make informed choices that align with their individual risk factors and preferences. The approach includes evaluating communication strategies that can effectively convey complex medical information without causing fear or distrust.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women aged 40-49 who are considering breast cancer screening and are interested in understanding their personal risk factors.

Not a fit: Patients who are not within the age range of 40-49 or those who have already made a definitive decision about their screening may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved decision-making among women regarding breast cancer screening, ultimately enhancing early detection and reducing unnecessary treatments.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown that tailored communication strategies can significantly improve patient understanding and decision-making in healthcare settings, indicating a promising approach in this area.

Where this research is happening

Aurora, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Breast Cancer DetectionBreast cancer screening
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.