Reasons for not participating in breast cancer screening, ways to obtain information and measures to improve participation in screening

Abstract

. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed tumor in women in the world. Early detection and treatment of breast cancer has an impact on life expectancy, reduced mortality and improved quality of life. The reduction in mortality depends largely on interventions. The objective of this study was to describe the reasons for not participating in breast cancer screening, ways to obtain information and measures to improve participation in screening. The survey was conducted among 1200 women aged 50–69 in Estonia. Statistical data analysis was performed with SPSS 26.0, using descriptive statistics. For comparison of the results with background data, the Mann–Whitney U test and the chi-square test were used. The main reason for not participating in breast cancer screening was the absence of symptoms. Information on breast cancer and breast cancer screening is mostly obtained from friends and acquaintances, and the least from the mobile application on breast cancer screening. The most desirable sources of information about breast cancer are information leaflets and the family doctor, and the internet is the least searched for information. Convenient access to a mammography examination and the family doctor’s initiative provide support, while the information in women’s magazines and social media has low importance for participation. The information channels used were related to age, native language and level of education. Place of residence did not affect access to information. The results show that women seek information primarily from friends and acquaintances, although they are also open to seek information from leaflets or the family doctor, indicating the need for more emphasis on those sources. Different sociodemographic variables should be considered in related communication.