Overview

Abstract (English)

Background: The mortality rate from breast cancer among women in Canada decreased in the early 2000s following the introduction of breast cancer screening programs in the 1990s. Using data from the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS, 2013/2014), we examined factors associated to the non-us of mammography such as age, marital status, income, education, immigration status, body mass index, and tobacco use and their association with mammography use among women in Alberta, aged between 50 and 69 years. Methods: A cross-sectional study to examine the factors associated with the use of mammography screening for breast cancer in Alberta, Canada. Results: The 2013/2014 CCHS data shows that the non-use of mammography in the past two years was 33.1% for women aged 50 to 69 in Alberta. The reasons for the non-use of mammography were examined in univariable and multi-variable analysis using logistic regression models. The following factors were associated with the non-use of mammography: immigrant status, no access to a regular doctor, low household income, smoking, high body mass index (BMI), low level of leisure-time, inactivity, high level of stress, low self-perception of general health, and a low sense of community belonging. Women aged 55 to 64 who were divorced, separated, single or never married were more than twice likely of not having used a mammography than those who were married or living in common-law union. Furthermore,women who did not have a regular doctor were three times more likely of not having a mammography than those who had a regular doctor. Conclusion: A Mammography is recommended for women aged 50 to 69, given its effectiveness in reducing breast cancer mortality. However, in 2013/2014, one-third of women in Alberta are reported not having had a Mammography in the past two years. Although biennial Mammography is an effective screening exam to detect breast cancer, some women in Alberta continue to be less likely to use mammography.

Abstract (French)

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