Effects of exposure to media messages about limiting breast cancer screening: A qualitative experimental study.

Examine how women aged 35–50 respond to messages about limiting cancer screening. A national sample of women aged 35–50 (n = 983) were randomly assigned to read one of four media vignettes: three provided information about potential harms of mammograms using evidence, norms, or an anecdote strategy, and one provided no such information. Participants listed thoughts they had about the message, and after coding these themes, we tested for associations between the themes evoked, message exposure, and mammogram history. Thematic categories included emotions (8 %); behavioral intentions (14 %); and cognitions, attitudes, and beliefs (67 %). Pro-screening attitudes, questioning, and cues to get screened were most prevalent. The anecdote message often elicited pro-screening attitudes, while the evidence message often elicited negative emotions and anger, as well as questioning or skeptical responses. Those with a history of mammograms expressed more pro-screening attitudes and disagreed with the message more often. Media messaging about guideline-supported care, especially when it involves reducing a clinical service that is routine and valued by patients, may evoke counterarguing, skepticism, and other negative responses. Clinicians should recognize the role of the media in potentially shaping women's attitudes, beliefs, and intentions when it comes to breast cancer screening. • Respondents expressed emotional, behavioral, and cognitive responses to media vignettes about breast cancer screening. • The media vignettes aroused thoughts, attitudes, and beliefs more often than emotions and behavioral intentions. • Messages describing limiting screening promoted pro-screening thoughts and raised questions. • Women's screening routines may be related to their response to news media messages about screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]