DESIGN: Three databases (PubMed, PsycInfo and Scopus) were searched for studies reporting the effects of positive versus negative framing on cancer treatment decision-making from 1981 to December 2020.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The effects of positive versus negative framing on cancer treatment preferences and the elimination of framing effect were evaluated.
RESULTS: A total of 12 studies that met inclusion criteria were reviewed. Framing effect was consistently observed in individuals without a cancer diagnosis. There was not enough evidence to suggest a robust framing effect in cancer patients. Surgery was preferred in positive framing, whereas adjuvant therapy was preferred in negative framing. Justification intervention significantly eliminated framing effect. Mixed framing failed to eliminate framing effect.
CONCLUSION: Current recommendations for presenting treatment options are based on research in cancer-screening decision-making. Knowledge of how positive versus negative framing affect cancer patients' treatment decisions is still limited. Our review highlighted the need for continued research in this area.