Reassurance following breast screening recall for female survivors of Hodgkin's lymphoma

SummaryFemale survivors of Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) treated with mantle radiotherapy experience increased breast cancer risk related to radiation dose and age at diagnosis. In 2003, the Department of Health (DoH) in the UK recalled patients to explain this risk and offer screening. The aims of this paper are to describe women's emotional responses and knowledge of their personal risk following the recall. Women were interviewed before risk counselling and breast screening (Time 1, n=56) and again following screening and results (Time 2, n=50). Questionnaire measures of quality of life, anxiety, depression and cancer worries were completed at Time 2. No cases of breast cancer were identified. After the recall, 64% had learned more about late effects and 76% were reassured about their health. All but one woman intended to attend future screening. Women are keen to take advantage of screening and experience relatively little distress.