A cross-border comparison of breast and cervical cancer screening uptake

This study investigated differences in uptake of breast and cervical cancer screening relating to socio-economic characteristics in the Republic and Northern Ireland. Multivariate analyses were performed using data from population-based surveys that detail breast and cervical cancer screening participation in the preceding 12 months in the two jurisdictions. Cervical screening rates were significantly higher in Northern Ireland where 536/1764 (30%) eligible women attended screening in comparison to the Republic where only 780/4472 (17%) eligible women attended screening. Differences in participation related to socio-economic group and education were also observed in screening programmes for cervical cancer (Wald: p = 0.000; p = 0.010) and related to education for breast cancer (Wald: p = 0.008) in the Republic of Ireland. Differences in participation across socio-economic groups in respect of breast and cervical cancer screening were not replicated in Northern Ireland. These differences may contribute to inequalities in treatment and outcomes across socio-economic groups in the Republic of Ireland.