Attitude of women towards early cancer detection and estimation of the compliance to a screening program for cervix and breast cancer

Before the start of a feasibility study for cervical and breast cancer screening in two towns (Genoa and Rome) in Italy, a random sample (N = 349) of the target population was interviewed with the aim of evaluating (i) the degree of knowledge as to the purpose of the screening tests; (ii) the attitude towards early detection of these cancers; and (iii) the potential compliance to the program. Pap test: 48.7% of women were correctly informed about the object of the test; information was associated with the degree of education (p < 0.0001). Periodic Pap test was reported by 77.9% of women: the proportion was higher among younger (p = 0.013) and married women(p = 0.001). A 1-year interval between two tests was more frequently reported by younger women (p < 0.0001). Estimated participation in the cervical cancer screening program was 63.3%. Increasing age (OR = 0.78; CI = 0.6-1.0), the married status (OR 0.39; CI = 0.18-0.83) and lack of knowledge of the object of the test (OR = 0.47; CI = 0.25-0.87) hindered participation in the program. Mammography: 53.3% of women reported that it is a method used for early detection of breast cancer. Well-educated women were more likely to be correctly informed (p < 0.0001). Previous mammography was reported by 49.3% of women aged 50 to 69 years who never experienced breast cancer symptoms; married women more frequently reported having had the test (p = 0.02). Estimated participation in the breast cancer screening program was 59%. Women aged 60 years and over were less prone to participate (OR = 0.44; CI = 0.22-0.89). Increasing age was the most relevant barrier to participation in screening programs, and strong efforts should be made to involve older women, due to their greater chance of getting cancer.