Demographic Factors Influencing Consensus Opinion on the Recall for Women Screened by Mobile Mammography Unit in Taiwan

Background: The incidence of breast cancer has had a four-fold increase from 1980 to 2005 in Taiwan. Limited data have been available on mobile breast screening in the Taiwanese population since 2009.

Objectives: This study aims at investigating the factors influencing consensus opinion on the recall for mobile breast screening in Taiwan.

Patients and Methods: The factors were categorized by individual health background, socioeconomic status and knowledge about breast screening. There were 502 questionnaires collected from Taiwanese women examined on mobile mammography screening vehicle. Data were then analyzed by SPSS 12 via analysis of variance (ANOVA), F-test, t-test or chi-square test.

Results: Strong participation was associated with a younger age, higher educational level, higher incomes, previous history of cancer, previous family history of cancer, one or two prior mammographies, more correct recognitions of mammography, recall rate, and breast cancer risk. If the false-positive result occurred, 83.9%, 81.9% and 77.3% of the women agreed or strongly agreed to participate in noninvasive and invasive testing and screening mammography, respectively.

Conclusion: The policy makers should notify the importance of demographic factors affecting further examination for early detection of breast cancer in Taiwan.