Australian researchers have developed a decision aid that helps men reduce uncertainty about genetic testing for colorectal cancer.

The decision aid, or pamphlet, which was originally designed to help men and women make decisions about genetic testing, has proven more effective for men.

The decision aid was developed by Dr. Claire E. Wakefield of Macquarie University in New South Wales, Australia, and was published in a recent issue of Cancer.

Dr. Wakefield's team tested the aid's effectiveness on 153 people, some of which used a control pamphlet, while others used the actual decision aid. In all, 109 patients (71.2%) completed the first questionnaire within one week and 95 patients (62.5%) completed a 6-month follow-up questionnaire.

According to Wakefield's research, while the aid did not have an impact on the actual genetic testing decision or feelings of regret for having made the decision, it did reduce feelings of uncertainty and conflict regarding genetic testing. Those who used the decision aid felt they made a more informed decision than those who used the control pamphlet.

Researchers also found the decision aid was more helpful for men, who were found to have significantly higher knowledge levels for having used the decision aid than men who didn't. There was no such difference found in women. According to the researchers, differences between what men and women need to make decisions may play a role, but women may also need a decision aid with more extensive information since women have an increased risk of multiple cancers.