Factors important in promoting mammography screening among Canadian women

Among women aged 50 to 69 years, regular screening by mammography in combination with clinical examination, can substantially decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with breast cancer by facilitating early detection. Unfortunately, many Canadian women are not screened in accordance with current guidelines. Research to date is based primarily on large surveys conducted in the United States and less is known about the relevance of specific barriers to mammography screening among Canadian women. Multivariate results from the 1994-95 National Population Health Survey (NPHS) indicate that younger (40-49) and older (70+) women, those who are socioeconomically disadvantaged, and minority women are least likely to report having had a mammogram. Conversely, women with positive health behaviours, high social support, and positive mental health attributes are more likely to participate in mammography screening. These findings are discussed in terms of the implications for developing successful intervention programs for Canadian women and for setting priorities for further research.