Explaining participation in programmes for the early detection of breast cancer: a comparative analysis

A trial to evaluate different methods for the early detection of breast cancer is being carried out in the United Kingdom. Its success depends, in part, upon achieving a high rate of participation. The study presented here examines and compares the health beliefs, health behaviour and socio-demographic characteristics of attenders and non-attenders at (i) a breast screening clinic, and (ii) a class teaching breast self-examination (BSE). The results show that attenders at one or other of the two services had much in common. However, attenders at the class appeared to be motivated by stronger feelings of vulnerability to breast cancer than attenders at breast screening. Also, differences in social class and educational background were found to be associated with attendance/non-attendance at the BSE class, but not associated with attendance at the breast screening clinic.