The sociodemographic profile of women participating in mammography screening in Lower Silesia

Abstract

Introduction. Female breast cancer is the most common malignancy worldwide. An important element of cancer control involves population-based screening, which aims to reduce related mortality. Screening programs can only serve their purpose if they are long-term and available on a mass scale; accordingly, they are deemed effective as long as they cover at least 70% of the target population. Alarmingly, the coverage of breast cancer screening in Poland is markedly lower. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of selected sociodemographic factors on the participation of women in mammography screening. Material and methods. The study included a population of Lower Silesian women aged 50 to 69, who participated in mammography screening, and analyzed a total of 32,626 questionnaires collected by means of a diagnostic survey between January 3, 2007 and December 30, 2011. Examined sociodemographic factors included the place of residence, age, educational level, and occupational status. Results. The largest group of screening participants comprised women aged 55 to 59 (30%), from Wrocław and the neighboring districts, with at least secondary education (74%), mostly old-age and disability pensioners (55%). Conclusions. Place of residence, age, education and occupation have a significant impact on the participation of Lower Silesian women in mammography screening. Age and disability pensioners aged 55-59 with at least secondary education are more likely to participate. NOWOTWORY J Oncol 2017; 67, 2: 89-95

Occurrence of Breast Cancer in the Population of Peri- and Postmenopausal Women in the Aspect of Environmental Exposure to Airborne Dust Pollution

“…Breast cancer is currently the greatest oncological threat to the population of women, both globally and in Poland, especially in the age group over 45. Unfortunately, there is no indication that this state of affairs has changed, even a systematic increase in the incidence of this type of cancer is forecast as a consequence of aging populations and the constantly growing exposure to modifiable risk factors contributing to its development [11]. An undoubted fact is the large territorial differentiation of registered oncological cases, both at the global and European level, as well as within individual countries.…”