Monthly variation in mammographic screening attendance in Norway.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) increases screening attendance in the USA. However, this effect has not been investigated in Europe, where organized screening is widespread. We examined monthly attendance within the Norwegian Breast Cancer Screening Programme, 2005-15. Relative to October, the odds of attending screening in January, February, March, August, September or December were slightly decreased (ORadj 0.93-0.98, P ≤ 0.003 for all). BCAM may marginally increase attendance in October but seasonal factors such as weather may also explain this observed variation. Furthermore, it is possible that organized screening with predetermined appointments evens out the effect BCAM has on screening attendance.

Communicating with women about mammography.

BACKGROUND/METHODS: We report survey results of the types of tools used to communicate with women about breast cancer screening and the content areas included in each tool for member countries of the International Breast Cancer Screening Network (IBSN). RESULTS: In addition to using pamphlets and invitation letters, new technologies are being used such as the Internet which allows for easy updating of information and can provide interactive modules. Several countries have addressed the needs of specific populations such as indigenous populations or blind women. All countries provide basic information, although they do not provide all the same information. CONCLUSION: More research is needed to understand what women need to make an informed decision about mammography and to learn what the best modalities are to provide this information.

The Norwegian Breast Cancer Screening Program: re-attendance related to the women's experiences, intentions and previous screening result.

OBJECTIVE: To survey factors of importance for attendance in the Norwegian Breast Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP). METHODS: Simple forced choice questionnaires were sent to 1221 women, in four categories: not attended, screened negative, false positive, and breast cancer cases. The response rate was 80.7%. RESULTS: Women who were invited to the NBCSP reported positive opinions about being invited and the provided information. This response was independent of attendance and screening result. An experience of pain during screening examination was reported in the same proportion among women who were screened negative and false positive (p = 0.27). Unsatisfactory care was reported in a significantly lower rate among women who were screened negative, compared to the false positive (p = 0.02) and breast cancer cases (p < 0.01). Re-attendance was significantly higher among women who were screened negative (91.8%), compared to the false positive (83.9%, p < 0.01). Experienced pain seemed to influence re-attendance among the false positive, while care seemed to influence re-attendance among women who were screened negative. Intention to re-attend was significantly associated with the rate of re-attendance (p < 0.01) and it was the only significant predictor for re-attendance (OR = 5.4, 95% CI: 1.8-16.7) in a multiple logistic regression analysis with intention, age, experienced pain, experienced care and waiting time included in the model. Age did not have much influence on results. CONCLUSION: Women, who were invited to the NBCSP, reported positive opinions about the program. Re-attendance was related to previous screening results, partly by, experienced pain and care.