Evaluation of Mailers Promoting Mammogram Screening

In this evaluation, 3 different versions of mailers promoting annual mammograms are being sent to women on the month of their 50th and 64th birthdays. The researchers hypothesize that the use of behavioral nudges in the mailers should lead to increased uptake in mammogram screening.

Mammogram screening for women, starting at age 50, can significantly reduce the risk of complications due to breast cancer. As part of an existing outreach campaign, the health system mails a postcard and small gift (pink socks) to women on the month of their 50th and 64th birthdays to promote annual mammogram screening. The researchers are evaluating two new versions of the mailers against a standard mailer to see which version leads to greater uptake in mammograms. The new mailers have content that applies behavioral nudge theory - specifically, loss frames and fear appeals - to encourage taking action. One of the two new versions does not include the small gift, to test whether its inclusion or exclusion has any effect on mammogram screening.