Factors associated with private or public breast cancer screening attendance in Queensland, Australia: A retrospective cross-sectional study

Abstract

This study aimed to estimate participation in private breast screening in Queensland, Australia, where public-funded screening is implemented, and to identify factors associated with the screening setting, using an online survey (999 female respondents aged 40–74). Screening-specific and socio-demographic factors were collected. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with screening setting (public vs private) and screening recency (<2 vs ≥2 years). Participation estimates were 53.2% (95% confidence interval, CI: 50.0%–56.3%) and 10.9% (9.0%–13.0%) for national screening program and private screening, respectively. In the screening setting model, participation in private screening was significantly associated with longer time since last screening (>4 versus <2 years, odds ratio (OR) = 7.3, 95%CI: 4.1–12.9, p < 0.001), having symptoms (OR = 9.5, 5.8–15.5, p < 0.001), younger age (40–49 versus 50–74 years, OR = 1.8, 1.1–3.0, p = 0.018) and having children <18 years in household (OR = 2.4, 1.5–3.9, p < 0.001). In the screening recency model, only screening setting was statistically significant and private screening was associated with screening recency ≥2 years (OR = 4.0, 2.8–5.7, p < 0.001). Around one in nine women screen outside of the BreastScreen Queensland program. Clinical and socio-demographic factors associated with participation in private screening were identified, providing knowledge relevant to the program's endeavours to improve screening participation.