Effect of mammography screening and sociodemographic factors on stage of female breast cancer at diagnosis in New South Wales.

ConclusionsThe strongest and most consistent predictor of earlier stage at diagnosis was BreastScreen NSW participation. Continued efforts to increase screening participation are important to achieve earlier stage at diagnosis, particularly for sociodemographic groups with more advanced disease.What is known about the topic?Earlier cancer stage at diagnosis is a prerequisite for mortality reduction from screening. Past research indicated that screening participation in New South Wales (NSW) was strongly associated with early stage at diagnosis and mortality reduction. More contemporary data are needed to monitor screening performance in NSW and assess differences in cancer stage across sociodemographic subgroups.What does this paper add?Using data linkage, this paper indicates associations between screening, sociodemographic factors and stage at diagnosis for the NSW population in 2002-13. Contrary to expectations, major city residents tended to have a lower proportion of early stage breast cancer at diagnosis, which may be indicative of lower screening coverage and barriers to screening. Compared with past research, similar effects of screening and other sociodemographic factors on the stage of breast cancer at diagnosis were observed. This paper compares screening histories across sociodemographic groups, indicating statistically significant differences.What are the implications for practitioners?Increasing screening participation is particularly important for sociodemograp...

Source: Australian Health Review - November 17, 2020 Category: Hospital Management Authors: Tong S, Warner-Smith M, McGill S, Roder D, Currow D Tags: Aust Health Rev Source Type: research