Citizen consultation and organized breast cancer screening

Abstract

Scientific controversies on breast cancer screening have induced the French authorities to launch online citizen consultation. The objective of this netnography was to identify the knowledge and values underlying contributors' choices. The choice of supporters was often based on emotions: impression of disease severity and efficacy of screening, fearfulness stemming from personal experience and testimony from relatives. Opponents emphasized the risks of the screening and the doctors' perceived lack of relational and technical skills. The 'non-decision' profile was explained by information deemed simplistic, guilt-inducing and partial. Future research should focus on how to appeal to emotions to support shared decision.