Qualitative study of how women define and use information about breast symptoms and diagnostic tests

Unstructured interviews were conducted with 14 women with recent experience of diagnostic testing to explore the definition and role of information in women's experiences of undergoing diagnostic breast tests. Analysis showed that women see information as more than what they are told by healthcare professionals. Information also comes from significant others, administration and reception staff, media, comparison with previous breast symptoms, silences, gestures and behavior of healthcare professionals and significant others, and the number of tests they undergo. Information is about more than understanding. It can provide support and control, reduce anxiety, facilitate question asking and promote women's trust and confidence in themselves and their healthcare professionals. Healthcare professionals need to be aware that women define information more broadly than what they are told, and of the importance women attach to this other information. They also need to be aware that information serves more purposes than helping women understand the diagnostic testing process and their result.