Communications Working Group (2002-2006)

Purpose: To identify and encourage "best practices" in communicating information about screening mammography, and develop communication materials that countries can tailor for use in their specific populations.

Members: Berta Geller (chair), Rachel Ballard-Barbash, Greg Doyle, Livia Giordani, Solveig Hofvind, Larry von Karsa, Andriana Koukari, Noriaki Ohuchi, Gonzalo Pou, Gad Rennert, Hélène Sancho-Garnier, Astrid Scharpantgen, Nereo Segnan, Jane Zapka

Activities: The initial assessment of these international communication materials has been summarized in two journal articles that describe the content and types of materials used in different countries:

1. Geller BM, Zapka J, Hofvind SS, Scharpantgen A, Giordano L, Ohuchi N, Ballard-Barbash R. Communicating with women about mammography. J Cancer Educ 2007;22(1):25-31. [View Abstract]
2. Zapka JG, Geller BM, Bulliard JL, Fracheboud J, Sancho-Garnier H, Ballard-Barbash R; The IBSN Communications Working Group. Print information to inform decisions about mammography screening participation in 16 countries with population-based programs. Patient Educ Couns 2006 Oct;63(1-2):126-37. [View Abstract]

Following this initial assessment, members from many countries identified the need for hands-on guidance about "best practices" to consider in developing print materials. A sub-group developed Designing Print Materials: A Communications Guide for Breast Cancer Screening, which was published in 2007 to address this need. Authors included Berta Geller, Jane Zapka, Scott Connolly, Caroline Cranos, and Livia Giordano.