title: Impact of risk information on perceived colorectal cancer risk: a randomized trial.
abstract: The study sought to modify comparative optimism about colorectal cancer in a community sample using a method of providing risk information found to be effective in a laboratory setting. The 3185 adults from General Practice lists were randomized to three groups: (1) control--no information; (2) risk information leaflet; (3) risk and screening information leaflet. Significant comparative optimism and high numeric estimates of absolute risk were found. Risk factor information did not reduce optimistic beliefs nor modify estimates of risk. Interest in screening was high overall and not influenced by the information. Comparatively optimistic risk perceptions appear resistant to change in community settings.
authors.affiliation: Cancer Research UK Health Behaviour Research Centre, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, UK. k.robb@ucl.ac.uk
authors.forename: Kathryn A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Robb
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Campbell
authors.forename: Philip
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Evans
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Miles
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wardle
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D003710:Demography; D030881:Disclosure; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors