A*STAR GIS Researchers Explore Women’s Preferences To Adopt Tests Predicting Breast Cancer Risk

21 January 2025 - In collaboration with Saw Swee Hock School Of Public Health, researchers from A*STAR Genome Institute of Singapore (A*STAR GIS) explored women’s preferences and their willingness to adopt tests to predict breast cancer risk. Using a discrete choice experiment with over 300 participants, it was found that:
~ Free or subsidized tests and screenings make the biggest difference in uptake.
~ Insurance coverage for early-stage breast cancer gives women peace of mind to opt for testing.
~ Surprisingly, women with a family history of breast cancer were more hesitant to take a predictive test—showing us that engagement strategies must be sensitive to their concerns.
~ Risk reports by professionals were preferred, although content matters more than delivery style.

This isn’t just about improving cancer detection — it’s about changing lives. By making screening programs more accessible and addressing what matters most to women, we can detect breast cancer earlier, save more lives, and make healthcare spending more efficient. 🎗️
 
Read the full study published by senior authors YI WANG and Jingmei Li in the Journal of Translational Medicine: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12967-025-06119-9