Breast screening, health promotion and empowerment: the districts' dilemma

Abstract

A postal survey of attenders and non-attenders of the East Devon breast screening programme was carried out in 1992 to identify any particular factors that might be influencing women's attitudes to mammography, and which could be used to increase uptake. The response rates achieved by the study confirmed it as a useful method of surveying local women. The survey found differences in characteristics between attenders and non attenders comparable with other published studies, but of particular interest were the comments of non-attenders, which could be addressed in a future health promotion strategy. The study highlights the dilemma for district health promotion services in empowering local women, yet seeking to maximise attendance at breast screening programmes.