An update on mammography use in Canada.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Mammography screening is crucial for early breast cancer detection in women aged 50-69.
• Understanding trends and disparities in mammography use is essential for public health initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To update mammography utilization rates among Canadian women aged 50-69.
• To analyze trends in mammography use from 1990 to 2008 across Canadian provinces.
• To identify characteristics associated with non-mammography screening.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) for 2008 and historical data from 1990-2005.
• Employed frequency estimates, cross-tabulations, and logistic regression analysis.
• Examined provincial trends and factors influencing screening behavior.

Main Results:

• Mammography use in women aged 50-69 increased from 40% in 1990 to 72% in 2008.
• The gap in screening between highest and lowest income quintiles narrowed until 2000/2001, then widened to 18 percentage points by 2008.
• Non-use was prevalent in specific provinces and associated with immigrant status, lower income, lack of a regular doctor, and smoking.

Conclusions:

• While overall mammography use has increased, persistent and widening income-related disparities require attention.
• Targeted interventions are needed to address barriers to screening among vulnerable populations, including immigrants and low-income households.
• Public health strategies should consider factors like regular doctor access and smoking cessation to improve screening rates.