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Urban-rural differences in a population-based breast cancer screening program in Croatia
Valerija Stamenić1, Marija Strnad
1Department for Project and Programmes, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Zagreb, Croatia. valerija.stamenic@mzss.hr
Croatian Medical Journal
|February 18, 2011
Summary
Urban women had more breast cancer risk factors, while rural women had higher obesity rates. Understanding these differences is key to reducing health inequalities and improving breast cancer prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Breast cancer risk factors vary significantly between urban and rural populations.
- Understanding these disparities is crucial for targeted public health interventions.
- Population-based screening programs provide valuable data on risk factor distribution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate urban-rural differences in the prevalence of breast cancer risk factors.
- To compare reproductive, anthropometric, and screening history between urban and rural women.
- To inform the development of strategies aimed at reducing health inequalities in breast cancer.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from the Croatian "Mamma" population-based screening program (2007-2009).
- Inclusion of 924 patients with histologically verified breast cancer and self-reported questionnaire data.
- Comparison of risk factors between participants from Zagreb (urban) and 13 rural counties.
Main Results:
- Screen-detected breast cancer rates and mammography participation rates were similar in urban and rural areas.
- Urban women (Zagreb) exhibited more risk factors: nulliparity (15% vs 7%), late first pregnancy (≥30 years) (10% vs 4%), and recent mammograms (32% vs 14%).
- Rural women had higher rates of obesity (41% vs 28%) and early first live birth (<20 years) (20% vs 7%).
Conclusions:
- Significant urban-rural differences exist in specific breast cancer risk factor profiles.
- These disparities highlight the need for tailored interventions to address modifiable risk factors.
- Population-level insights into mammography use and risk factors can guide efforts to reduce health inequalities.
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