Abstract
Background: A positive family history (FH) of breast cancer is an established risk factor for the disease. Screening for breast cancer in Israel is recommended annually for positive-FH women aged = 40 y and biennially for average-risk women aged 50–74 y.
Objective: to assess the effect of having a positive breast cancer FH on performing screening mammography in Israeli women.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey based on a random sample of the Israeli population. The study population consists of 1,605 women aged 40–74 y and telephone interviews were used. Logistic regression models identified variables associated with mammography performance.
Results: A positive FH for breast cancer was reported by 153 (9.5%) participants. Performing a mammogram in the previous year was reported by 43.1% and 24.7% of the positive and negative FH subgroups, respectively (p<0.0001). Rates increased with age. Among positive FH participants, being married was the only significant correlate for a mammogram in the previous year. Conclusions: Over 60% and around 55% of high-risk women aged 40–49 y and = 50 y, respectively, are inadequately screened for breast cancer. Screening rates are suboptimal in average-risk women too.
Discussion: National efforts should concentrate on increasing awareness and breast cancer screening rates.
Objective: to assess the effect of having a positive breast cancer FH on performing screening mammography in Israeli women.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey based on a random sample of the Israeli population. The study population consists of 1,605 women aged 40–74 y and telephone interviews were used. Logistic regression models identified variables associated with mammography performance.
Results: A positive FH for breast cancer was reported by 153 (9.5%) participants. Performing a mammogram in the previous year was reported by 43.1% and 24.7% of the positive and negative FH subgroups, respectively (p<0.0001). Rates increased with age. Among positive FH participants, being married was the only significant correlate for a mammogram in the previous year. Conclusions: Over 60% and around 55% of high-risk women aged 40–49 y and = 50 y, respectively, are inadequately screened for breast cancer. Screening rates are suboptimal in average-risk women too.
Discussion: National efforts should concentrate on increasing awareness and breast cancer screening rates.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 43 |
| Number of pages | 1 |
| Journal | European Journal of Epidemiology |
| Volume | 21 |
| Issue number | 1 (Supplement) |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Jun 2006 |
