The association of demographic and socioeconomic variables with cancer screening participation: A national cross-sectional study of three cancer screening programs in Denmark

Abstract

ObjectiveTo analyze the demographic and socioeconomic determinants of non-participation in cervical, colorectal and breast cancer screening programs in Denmark. Study design and settingWe conducted a cross-sectional study involving all women aged 53–65 years residing in Denmark on March 31, 2018, utilizing comprehensive individual data from population registries. Logistic regression models were employed to assess associations between demographic and socioeconomic factors and non-participation compared with participating in one, two, and three cancer screening programs, presenting odds ratios (ORs) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs). Both unadjusted and adjusted models were applied for each level of screening participation. ResultsSignificant associations with non-participation in the three cancer screening programs were observed across all demographic and socioeconomic covariates considered. Women with low incomes demonstrated the highest likelihood of non-participation (none vs. three programs attended, OR: 2.95, 95 % CI: 2.82–3.08). Similarly, increased odds of non-participation were noted among immigrants (Western immigrants: OR: 2.08, 95 % CI: 1.96–2.21; non-Western immigrants OR 1.26 95 % CI: 1.20–1.32), women living alone (OR: 2.08, 95 % CI: 2.02–2.14), women outside the labor force (OR: 1.92, 95 % CI: 1.86–1.99), and women with lower educational levels (OR: 1.44, 95 % CI: 1.39–1.50) in the model comparing non-participation to participating in three screening programs. A progressive intensification of the association with non-participation was noted with each incremental increase in screening participation (from one to two to three programs). ConclusionsDemographic and socioeconomic variables are significantly associated with non-participation in all three Danish cancer screening programs, particularly affecting women from vulnerable demographic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Future research should prioritize strategies to enhance participation within this subgroup, aiming to alleviate social inequities in cancer screening.