Factors likely to affect participation in mammographic screening

A survey of 290 women likely to be eligible for mammographic screening was carried out to identify the characteristics of a screening programme, and of women, that could affect participation. Aspects of the service that are likely to increase participation include a screening centre within 30 minutes travel by car (only 28% of women surveyed thought more than 30 minutes travel time was reasonable), appointment times outside normal working hours (17% of women surveyed), female staff (35% of respondents would prefer female staff), and publicity before invitations are sent out. Eighty-four percent of all women surveyed intend to participate in screening; intended participation was higher among women under 50, women whose knowledge about breast cancer and mammographic screening was good, and women who have regular cervical smears and dental checks.