title: Communication about colorectal cancer screening in Britain: public preferences for an expert recommendation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Informed decision-making approaches to cancer screening emphasise the importance of decisions being determined by individuals' own values and preferences. However, advice from a trusted source may also contribute to autonomous decision-making. This study examined preferences regarding a recommendation from the NHS and information provision in the context of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening.
  
  
  METHODS
  In face-to-face interviews, a population-based sample of adults across Britain (n=1964; age 50-80 years) indicated their preference between: (1) a strong recommendation to participate in CRC screening, (2) a recommendation alongside advice to make an individual decision, and (3) no recommendation but advice to make an individual decision. Other measures included trust in the NHS and preferences for information on benefits and risks.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Most respondents (84%) preferred a recommendation (47% strong recommendation, 37% recommendation plus individual decision-making advice), but the majority also wanted full information on risks (77%) and benefits (78%). Men were more in favour of a recommendation than women (86% vs 81%). Trust in the NHS was high overall, but the minority who expressed low trust were less likely to want a recommendation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Most British adults want full information on risks and benefits of screening but they also want a recommendation from an authoritative source. An 'expert' view may be an important part of autonomous health decision-making.
authors.affiliation: Health Behaviour Research Centre, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Waller
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Macedo
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: von Wagner
authors.forename: A E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Simon
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Hammersley
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Weller
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wardle
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Campbell
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003142:Communication; D003657:Decision Making; D030881:Disclosure; D055088:Early Detection of Cancer / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009313:National Health Programs; D009780:Occult Blood; D016017:Odds Ratio; D011639:Public Opinion; D012306:Risk; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012923:Social Class; D035502:Trust; D006113:United Kingdom