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Factors affecting participation in mammography screening
B McNoe1, A K Richardson, J M Elwood
1Hugh Adam Cancer Epidemiology Unit, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Dunedin School of Medicine.
The New Zealand Medical Journal
|September 27, 1996
Summary
Many women skip mammography screening due to practical issues or fear, but nearly half plan to attend future screenings. Re-inviting non-attenders can improve population-based breast cancer detection rates.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Preventive Medicine
- Oncology
Background:
- Population-based mammography screening programs are crucial for early breast cancer detection.
- Understanding factors influencing attendance is vital for program success and equity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify key factors influencing women's attendance and non-attendance at the first round of a population-based mammography screening program in New Zealand.
Main Methods:
- Telephone interviews were conducted with representative samples of women who attended and did not attend screening.
- Response rates were high (98% for attenders, 86% for nonattenders).
Main Results:
- Attendance was driven by reassurance, early detection, program benefits (free, pilot), and doctor/family recommendations.
- Non-attendance reasons included ineligibility (7%), practical difficulties/convenience (20%), and fear/negative reports (20%).
- Attenders and nonattenders did not differ significantly by demographics, worry, or distance, though nonattenders perceived longer travel times.
Conclusions:
- Non-attendance is primarily due to practical difficulties and negative attitudes towards mammography.
- A significant proportion of non-attenders, especially those with convenience issues, intend to participate in future rounds.
- Re-inviting women who missed the first round is recommended to enhance participation in population-based screening programs.