Breast Cancer Screening Behavior among Working Women in Japan: Characteristics and Factors Inhibiting Screening

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Services Research
• Oncology

Background:

• Improving breast cancer screening rates is vital for early detection.
• Factors hindering regular screening among working women are not well understood.
• This study investigated screening behaviors and barriers in Japanese working women.

Purpose of the Study:

• To clarify breast cancer screening behavior among working women in Japan.
• To identify factors associated with avoiding regular screening.
• To understand the reasons behind screening non-adherence.

Main Methods:

• Surveys conducted in Tottori Prefecture, Japan (April-May 2019) among women aged 40-60.
• Utilized "Basic Attributes Questionnaire" and "Structural Questionnaire on Rejecting Screening."
• Data analyzed using chi-squared tests, logistic regression, factor analysis, and nonparametric tests.

Main Results:

• 668 questionnaires analyzed (81.0% response rate); participants averaged 51 years, many part-time employees.
• Logistic regression identified part-time employment, no children, discouraging workplace atmosphere, and lack of personal connections to breast cancer patients as associated with avoiding screening.
• Factor analysis revealed five factors and 16 items as reasons for non-adherence; difficulty scheduling was prominent for women without spouses or children, or with unsupportive workplaces.

Conclusions:

• Part-time employment, childlessness, lack of personal experience with breast cancer patients, and unsupportive workplace environments increase the likelihood of avoiding regular screening.
• Women avoiding screening frequently cited scheduling difficulties.
• Future efforts should focus on disseminating accurate breast cancer knowledge to raise awareness without causing undue anxiety.