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08/01/26

Exploring older adults' tolerance of uncertainty in colorectal cancer screening decisions.

Fakhari, Hoda; Valentine, K D; Sepucha, Karen; Atlas, Steven J; Leavitt, Lauren; Simmons, Leigh H; Siegel, Lydia C; Richter, James M; Fairfield, KA. Patient Educ Couns.

Collection Topics
Big Three Conditions Cognition and Decision Making Communication Patients and Families as Partners Tests, Screening, and Laboratory Processes
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Summary

Clinicians are encouraged to discuss uncertainty with patients, but patients’ responses to it vary. This secondary analysis of a cluster randomized trial examines how older adults’ comfort with uncertainty shapes colorectal cancer screening decisions. Greater tolerance for ambiguity or complexity was linked to less concern about screening harms, though screening intentions were unchanged. The findings suggest tailoring shared decision-making to patients’ uncertainty styles may improve screening conversations.
Read the paper
Fakhari H, Valentine KD, Sepucha K, et al. Exploring older adults’ tolerance of uncertainty in colorectal cancer screening decisions. Patient Educ Couns. 2026;149:109626.