Mobile breast screening: factors affecting uptake, efforts to increase response and acceptability

In 1986, a breast screening project was set up to assess the feasibility of mobile breast screening in rural areas near Edinburgh. Secondary objectives included a study of factors affecting uptake, ways in which uptake might be encouraged and a study of the acceptability of this form of screening. This paper deals with the results of studies dealing with secondary objectives. We found that response rates to opportunistic screening was poor, 5,631 attenders out of 23,229 eligible women (24.2%). This was especially so in older women. Distance proved to be the single most significant factor affecting uptake, but car and house ownership were also highly significantly correlated with response. Leaflet drops had no demonstrable effect on response, but personal invitation by general practitioners produced a 75% response rate in women 50-64 who had failed to attend on the van's previous visit. Attenders found this form of screening both convenient and acceptable.