BREAST AND CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING ATTENDANCE AMONG CZECH WOMEN

Objectives: The aim of the study was to investigate the variation in breast and cervical cancer screening attendance among Czech women by age and in regions in 2009-2017. Methods: The data from the health insurance company that covers around 50% of the Czech population were used to calculate age-specific attendance rates and standardized attendance rates by year and region. Results: In 2017, the attendance of all eligible women was 52% in breast cancer screening and 46% in cervical cancer screening. There were differences in attendance among groups of women. Women aged 45-49 had attendance rates in both screenings around 60%, while 39% of women aged 75-79 attended breast cancer screening, and 23% attended cervical cancer screening. In regions, attendance ranged from 38% to 70% in breast cancer screening and from 32% to 55% in cervical cancer screening. Conclusions: We identified the age-specific differences and regional variation in both breast and cervical cancer screening attendance among Czech women. Those with lower attendance may have a higher risk of dying from breast and cervical cancers. Mitigating this risk should be a priority of public health policies.