There is an extensive amount of information in the popular press about canc
er risk factors. The volume and sometimes contradictory nature of this info
rmation makes it difficult for individuals to understand their own level of
risk or how one risk factor compares with another. The Harvard Cancer Risk
Index (HCRI) was developed by an interdisciplinary working group of epidem
iologists and behavioral scientists to educate the public about the major r
isk factors associated with the 11 most common forms of cancer in the Unite
d States. Following the development and validation of the HCRI, we initiate
d a qualitative research study to obtain initial feedback on the wording an
d presentation of the index and to elicit information regarding the meaning
of risks, perception of cancer, and interpretation of the HCRI results.
The results indicated that the HCRI was well received by participants and t
hat they highly regarded the inclusion of information related to the latest
risks for cancer and the description of the mechanisms by which these fact
ors impact on risk. Personalization of the risk score helped participants t
o focus on behaviors that they could change. However, dissatisfaction with
the HCRI was noted By some participants because exposures they believed to
be important were not included (e.g., poverty, toxic waste, air pollution).
Evaluation of the impact of the index on intention to change provided prel
iminary evidence that this may be an effective toll for helping mobilize in
dividuals toward change across a number of risk factors. Further quantitati
ve evaluation of the HCRI is planned.