Factors associated with the utilization of mammographic screening in Greece

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed type of cancer in women and the primary cause of death by cancer in women globally. Early diagnosis and treatment can be achieved through screening, mainly mammographic; however, international experience has shown that women do not attend mammographic screening adequately. The aim of the present study was to investigate and assess the factors that affect demand for mammography by women to improve and enhance the use of mammography by women in Greece, especially those in the 50-70 age group. The data used in the analysis were extracted from the National Health Survey of 2009, conducted by the Hellenic Statistical Authority. The sample for the analysis included 2294 women aged 30-70 years. To investigate the factors that affect mammography use, binary logistic regression models were constructed for women in the 30-39, 40-49 and 50-70 age groups. 61.70% of the sample had ever undergone a mammogram, 46.80% of which were during the last 12 months. Factors associated with mammography use in at least one of the binary logistic regression models were pap-test, blood cholesterol test, level of education, income level and country of birth. In the 50-70 age group, income level [odds ratio (OR)=1.164; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.038, 1.305], blood cholesterol test ever (OR=6.096; 95% CI=2.498, 14.872) and pap-test (OR=20.148; 95% CI=11.264, 36.040) were found to be statistically significant predictors of mammography uptake. As mammography utilization in Greece is mostly opportunistic, it is necessary to organize screening provision to cover the majority of the population through nationally organized screening programmes, with a focus on women 50-70 years of age.