Monday, February 10, 2025

Women Favor Cost-Effective Breast Cancer Testing: Singapore Study

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Recent research conducted in Singapore reveals women’s strong preference for cost-efficient, risk-based breast cancer screening methods over traditional age-based approaches. The study highlights key factors influencing women’s decisions to undergo risk assessment tests, emphasizing the importance of financial considerations in healthcare choices.

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Cost Factors Drive Screening Decisions

The study utilized a discrete choice experiment to evaluate six attributes related to breast cancer screening, including the one-time cost of the test and annual screening expenses. Findings indicate that both supporters and non-supporters of the test prioritize minimizing costs. Additionally, the potential to prevent late-stage breast cancer diagnosis emerged as the most significant non-cost factor influencing women’s willingness to participate in screening programs.

Demographic Influences on Test Uptake

Analysis of the 328 participants revealed distinct patterns based on demographic variables. Younger women, those who are married, employed full-time, and individuals with a history of breast disease showed a higher likelihood of supporting risk assessment tests. Conversely, women with a family history of breast cancer tended to oppose the tests, especially when there was a high correlation with family risk factors.

  • Financial incentives significantly boost the uptake of risk-prediction tests.
  • Younger, married, and employed women are more receptive to screening.
  • High family risk correlation deters some women from undergoing tests.
  • Insurance coverage enhances willingness to participate in screening programs.
  • Effective communication of risk does not significantly impact test decisions.

Results

The classification of participants into test supporters and non-supporters underscored the critical role of cost and the effectiveness of screening in reducing late-stage cancer diagnoses. Insurance coverage also played a pivotal role in increasing the willingness to undergo testing, whereas methods of risk communication did not significantly influence decision-making. Non-supporters exhibited reluctance towards testing when faced with high family risk correlations.

Financial incentives emerge as key drivers in encouraging women to participate in risk-prediction tests for breast cancer. The study underscores the necessity of tailoring screening programs to accommodate varied preferences and address specific concerns, particularly among those with elevated family risk factors.

Implementing cost-effective breast cancer screening strategies could enhance early detection rates and overall public health outcomes. Policymakers and healthcare providers should consider the financial barriers and demographic disparities highlighted by this study to design more inclusive and effective screening programs. By prioritizing affordability and addressing the unique needs of different demographic groups, the uptake of risk-based screening can be significantly improved, ultimately contributing to better cancer prevention and management.

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