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Breast cancer screening in Tel Aviv
P E Slater1, H Aviram, M Dagan
1Department of Epidemiology, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel.
European Journal of Epidemiology
|September 1, 1990
Summary
New breast cancer screening guidelines in Israel need targeted education. Many women attending screening were younger than 40 or had existing breast concerns, indicating a need to better reach those who would benefit most from early detection.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Public Health
- Radiology
Background:
- Optimal breast cancer screening integrates physical examinations and mammography.
- Israel's early breast cancer detection program is incorporating routine mammographic screening.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the demographic characteristics of women attending their first breast cancer screening examination in Tel Aviv.
- To assess if attendees were representative of the population who would benefit most from routine screening.
Main Methods:
- Survey of nearly one thousand women attending a breast cancer screening examination for the first time in Tel Aviv.
- Analysis of demographic characteristics and presenting complaints of attendees.
Main Results:
- Only 50% of women were aged 40 or older.
- A majority of attendees were of Western origin.
- Nearly 50% of women presented with a breast-related complaint, suggesting a need for diagnostic evaluation rather than routine screening.
Conclusions:
- Targeted public education and administrative measures are crucial to ensure appropriate utilization of breast cancer screening services.
- Efforts should focus on encouraging attendance among women who stand to benefit most from routine screening.
- General practitioners in Tel Aviv appear aware of the benefits of breast cancer screening, but patient selection for screening requires optimization.