Are women satisfied with their experience with breast cancer screening? Systematic review of the literature

Abstract

Background The evaluation of participant experience is an essential part of monitoring the quality of breast cancer screening services. Satisfaction of services can lead to good adherence and hence affect health outcomes. Methods We performed a systematic review to assess how satisfied women were with organized breast cancer screening programs. A literature search in Medline, CINAHL, Embase and PsycINFO from 1965 to October 2019 was performed. Articles reporting a quantitative measure of satisfaction collected via questionnaires in programs using mammography as a screening test were selected. We narratively synthesized the data and used tabulated summaries. Results Out of 4310 individual citations, 3099 abstracts were reviewed by two independent researchers, and 126 articles were selected for full-text reading. Finally, 48 studies, published between 1990 and 2018, were included in analysis, reporting 54 surveys in the context of an organized screening program, 37 on satisfaction with screening mammography, 14 on satisfaction with further assessments and 3 with counseling. Most studies reported a high level of satisfaction for both mammography and further assessments. Despite commonly reported temporary pain, discomfort and anxiety, the willingness to be re-screened was very high. Effective information transfer, the staff's interpersonal skills and quick delivery of results correlated with high satisfaction. Only 7 out of 54 surveys used recognized satisfaction instruments or their modifications. Conclusions In general, satisfaction with breast cancer screening is high, but its evaluation is mainly performed using non-validated instruments. Emphasis should be put on effective communication, the staff´s interpersonal skills and quick delivery of results.

Participation in breast cancer screening and its influence on other cancer screening invitations: study in women aged 56 years old in four French departments

“…Pain, bad experiences or doubts about the screening process were also associated with non-participation in other studies (Ferrat et al , 2013; Tomietto et al , 2014; Valent et al , 2020). A literature review shows that women are generally satisfied with screening, although they express a negative assessment of the pain involved in the examination (Pagliarin et al , 2020). Pain was also mentioned by our respondents, but the percentage of women who do not get screened for this reason remains low.…”

Qualitative factors influencing breast and cervical cancer screening in women: A scoping review

“…While existing reviews have contributed to the literature by focusing on specific cancers (either breast or cervical) ( Dieleman et al, 2022 , Özkan and Taylan, 2021 , Pagliarin et al, 2021 ), or on specific subpopulations (by geographical region, ethnicity, or cultural background) ( Kandasamy et al, 2021 , Christy et al, 2021 , Chua et al, 2021 , McFarland et al, 2016 ), the present research represents a novel attempt to apply an international focus on the qualitative factors surrounding breast and cervical cancer screening for women around the world. To conclude, our review suggests that while the broad themes of gender socialisation, inequality, and empowerment of women are common across studies, every WHO subregion has its own characteristic subtleties that are themselves influenced by sociocultural norms.…”

Factors Influencing the Experience of Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Among Women in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review

“…9 , 12 In most geographical regions including Asia, Latin America, and SSA, previous engagement with screening programs has been mentioned as facilitating or hindering uptake. 12 , 13 While a recent review explored quantitative measures of satisfaction with the experiences during breast cancer screening, 14 no existing reviews have explored the narrative accounts and qualitative experiences of screening and their effect on further engagement. Detailing knowledge generated from primary research on women's experiences of screening services is important to support advocacy for gender parity in worldwide cancer control policy and to determine how delivery of care can be patient-centered.…”