Morbidity and mortality from breast cancer can be reduced by early detection through screening. Despite recommended guidelines for breast screening since 1988, participation rates have been suboptimal. The objectives of the current study were to describe: (1) changes in breast cancer screening knowledge, attitudes, decisional conflict, intentions and practices among women aged 50-69 years since initiation of a regional mass screening program in Ottawa-Carleton in 1991; and (2) breast cancer screening knowledge attitudes, intentions, and practices among women aged 40-49 years compared to women aged 50-69 years. Among women aged 50-69 years, the percentage ever having had a mammogram increased from 60% in 1991 to 83% in 1994. There were commensurate increases in the percentage reporting mammography within two years from 47% to 74%. There was an insignificant improvement in the annual professional breast examination (PBE) rate from 57% to 59%. A small, but statistically significant increase occurred in monthly breast self-examination (BSE) rate from 46% to 54%. Women in their forties continue to overutilize screening mammography; 63% reported ever having had a mammogram and 44% reported having had a mammogram within the past two years. Reported annual PBE and monthly BSE rates of women aged 40-49 years were comparable to the rates of women aged 50-69 years; 63% versus 59% and 48% versus 54% respectively. Intentions to have mammography every two years once they are 50 years and to have annual PBE were similar to those of women 50-69 years, however, they were more likely to accept an invitation to screening (71% versus 56%). Women 40-49 years were more knowledgeable than women 50-69 years while they had similar concerns about future mammography as the women over 50 years. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:uottawa.ca/oai:ruor.uottawa.ca:10393/10151 |
| Date | January 1995 |
| Creators | De Grasse, Catherine. |
| Contributors | O'Connor, A., |
| Publisher | University of Ottawa (Canada) |
| Source Sets | Université d’Ottawa |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | 157 p. |
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