Sarah Cortez|Melissa Milbrandt|Kimberly A. Kaphingst|Aimee S. James|Graham A. Colditz
The readability of online breast cancer risk assessment tools
Wayne State University|Detroit Medical Center|Washington University in St. Louis|Huntsman Cancer Institute|University of Utah|Washington University in St. Louis|Washington University in St. Louis
numerous breast cancer risk assessment tools allow users input personal risk information obtain personalized breast cancer risk estimate available internet goal tools increase screening awareness identify modifiable health behaviors however utility risk information limited readability material undertook study assess overall readability breast cancer risk assessment tools accompanying information well identify areas suggested improvement searched breast cancer risk assessment tools using five search terms three search engines searches performed june 12 2014 sites met inclusion criteria assessed readability using suitability assessment materials sam smog readability formula july 1 2014january 31 2015 primary outcomes frequency distribution overall sam readability category superior adequate suitable mean smog reading grade level search returned 42 sites eligible assessment 9 214 achieved overall sam superior rating 27 643 deemed adequate average smog reading grade level grade 121 sd 16 range 915 readability breast cancer risk assessment tools sites host important barrier risk communication study demonstrates breast cancer risk assessment tools accessible individuals limited health literacy skills importantly study identifies potential areas improvement potential heighten physicians awareness internet resources patient might navigate quest breast cancer risk information