An Investigation of Factors Influencing Mammography Screening Participation in British Columbia

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. Mammography screening greatly reduce breast cancer mortality in women between the ages of 50 and 69. Despite the well publicized importance of attending mammography, screening rates in British Columbia (BC) continue to remain below an ideal 70% screening rate. This study examines the factors that influence mammography screening participation in women between the ages of 45 to 65, living in different regions of BC. Literature review has shown that age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, obesity, smoking, urban and rural living, previous Pap smear screening, having a regular family doctor, and recent physician access affect screening attendance. Data from the 2006 Canadian National Census and the 2005 Canadian Community Health Survey was obtained in order to determine the influence of factors in regions of BC. Results showed that increasing obesity and low education were significantly correlated with lower mammography screening rates in BC, confirming previous literature trends. Older age was found to correlate with increased mammography screening attendance. Knowledge of factors that influence mammography screening in specific regions of BC can help provide region-specific recommendations and improve screening attendance, thereby increasing the likelihood of early detection and reducing breast cancer mortality.