Factors associated with breast cancer mammography screening and breast self-examination in Irish women: results from the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA)

Abstract

Background

BreastCheck is Ireland’s breast screening service which offers biennial mammograms to women aged 50–69. Practicing regular breast self-examination (BSE) enhances women’s awareness and increases their perception of their susceptibility to the risk of breast cancer, possibly increasing their likelihood of attending a screening programme which reduces breast cancer mortality. Research is needed to identify the promotors and barriers to both attending breast cancer screening and practicing BSE.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine the promotors and barriers associated with attending breast cancer screening and practicing BSE in Irish women.

Materials and Methods

Data from the participants of TILDA wave 3 (2014–2015) was used, the participant population included females only (≥50 years old), a total of 3575 women. Bivariate analysis was used to identify variables that were significantly associated with having had a mammogram since the last interview (wave 2) or regularly checking their breasts for lumps (BSE). Regression analysis was then used to determine the effect the significant variables had on predicting the likelihood of participants attending breast screening or practicing BSE.

Results

Over half (55%) of all women over the age of 50 had a mammogram since wave 2 was completed (2012) and two thirds reported practicing regular BSE. The factors associated with having attended for breast cancer screening were: having private health insurance (OR = 1.86, 95%CI = 1.45–2.380), and practicing BSE (OR = 1.683, 95%CI = 1.344–2.107). The factors found to be associated with practicing regular BSE were: higher quality of life (OR = 1.035, 95%CI = 1.015–1.057), higher BMI (OR = 1.118, 95%CI = 1.020–1.226), being married (OR = 1.436, 95%CI = 1.190–1.732) and attending mammogram screening (OR = 1.691, 95%CI = 1.353–2.114).

Conclusion

Regular participation in mammography screening reduces breast cancer mortality. Women eligible for BreastCheck were significantly more likely to attend screening. BSE is associated with increased attendance at screening. Health-care professionals should encourage BSE in order to increase screening uptake.