Characteristics of participants and non-participants in annual mass screening for oral cancer in 60-year-old residents of Tokoname city, Japan.

Three thousand one hundred and twenty three 60-year-old residents of Tokoname city, Japan, were eligible to take part in an ongoing annual mass screening programme for oral cancer and precancer during the years 1986-1990. All received a mailed questionnaire to ascertain details of their personal circumstances, lifestyle factors and medical history. One thousand six hundred and sixty eight (53 per cent) responded and of these, 347 plus an additional 89 non responders, totalling 14 per cent of the sample, subsequently attended for screening. Those screened were significantly more likely than non participants to have taken part in other general health or cancer screening, to report past histories of diseases or conditions with severe subjective symptoms and to have access to the screening facility on foot, by bicycle or by car. There were no significant differences between the groups in their smoking habits or alcohol consumption. Ways of improving compliance in screening are considered and in particular, the need for further strengthening the complementary public education programme to increase its effectiveness is highlighted.