Analysis of the health situation of women referring to breast cancer screening in Poland.

PURPOSE: To analyze the health situation of women referring to breast cancer screening.

METHODS

The study was conducted at "Certus" Medical Center in Myslenice (Malopolska Province). A total of 808 women aged 51-69 years were enrolled. The protocol of the study was approved by the administration of the medical center where it was conducted. The survey consisted of 24 descriptive and single/multiple choice questions referring to health behaviors related to breast cancer prevention.

RESULTS

Most often the women received information about breast cancer prevention from specialist physicians [24%]. Only 14% of the participants reported radio, press and Internet as an important source of information. Only 12% of the respondents declared that they self-examined their breasts systematically every month, and 35% stated that their breasts had been examined by a physician during recent years. A statistically significant relationship was found between the primary source of information about breast cancer prevention and the educational level of the study participants (p=0.0008).

CONCLUSIONS

Considering the Polish Central Statistical Office estimates, according to which the proportion of persons older than 65 years is projected to grow up to 22.3% by 2030, we may expect further increase in breast cancer incidence. Improvement of the epidemiological situation in Poland, which is worse than in other European countries, requires continuation of multidirectional activities, among them population-based education and active screening.