Predictors of non-attendance from BreastScreen NSW in women who report current mammography screening.

OBJECTIVE

To identify among self-reported current screeners: (1) predictors of never attendance at BreastScreen NSW (BSNSW); (2) predictors of late or lapsed attendance to BSNSW (attendance to alternative providers).

METHODS

Random samples of women aged 50-69 years were selected from the BSNSW database and NSW electoral roll as: current attenders to BSNSW (<27 months since last screen); late or lapsed attenders to BSNSW (>27 months since last screen); or women who had never attended BSNSW. The response rate was 71% (3,104) for a telephone interview that asked questions concerning demographics, medical status and health service usage, and opinions and behaviours related to mammography.

RESULTS

Never attendance at BSNSW was predicted by higher income, advice from a doctor or nurse to have their last mammogram, recent clinical breast examination and belief that a referral letter is necessary. Late or lapsed attendance to BSNSW (and attendance to alternate providers) was associated with higher education, health insurance coverage, recent clinical breast examination and a family history of breast cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Currently screened women who do not attend BSNSW, or who are late or lapsed for a mammogram, appear to be influenced by referral patterns of their health care providers and their higher socio-economic status.

IMPLICATIONS

BSNSW should be promoted to eligible women and general practitioners as a specialty mammography screening service that does not require a referral.