Women’s knowledge about breast cancer risk and their views of the purpose and implications of breast screening—a questionnaire survey

Abstract

To assess women's knowledge and perception of breast screening, including its benefits and disadvantages, and explore whether demographic and other personal characteristics are associated with accurate knowledge. Questionnaire survey of a random sample of 1000 women aged between 49 and 64 years registered with GPs in Oxfordshire. Thirty-six per cent of women knew the lifetime risk of developing breast cancer, and the interpretation of numeric risks varied among women. There was an association between inaccurate knowledge and lower formal education (P = 0.05). Forty-five per cent of women believed that screening prevents breast cancer. Women were of the opinion that screening helps early detection, could result in less invasive treatment and reassured them. Sixty-three per cent had no concerns about breast screening. The main causes of concern were that they would not be invited for further screening (exclusively women in their 60s), screening is not offered earlier or more frequently, painful mammography and effects of radiation. A minority of women were concerned that the pressure exerted on the breasts during mammography may itself trigger cancer by displacing and spreading cancer cells. Women's knowledge about breast screening was variable and sometimes incorrect, and those with less formal education were more likely to have inaccurate knowledge.