Breast and cervical cancer screening attendance among Czech women.

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the variation in breast and cervical cancer screening attendance among Czech women by age and in regions in 2009-2017. The data from the health insurance company that covers around 50% of the Czech population were used to calculate age-specific attendance rates and standardized attendance rates by year and region. In 2017, the attendance of all eligible women was 52% in breast cancer screening and 46% in cervical cancer screening. There were differences in attendance among groups of women. Women aged 45-49 had attendance rates in both screenings around 60%, while 39% of women aged 75-79 attended breast cancer screening, and 23% attended cervical cancer screening. In regions, attendance ranged from 38% to 70% in breast cancer screening and from 32% to 55% in cervical cancer screening. We identified the age-specific differences and regional variation in both breast and cervical cancer screening attendance among Czech women. Those with lower attendance may have a higher risk of dying from breast and cervical cancers. Mitigating this risk should be a priority of public health policies.