The perception of Maltese women towards breast screening

Abstract

Breast screening is the application of a screening test to an asymptomatic population in order to detect breast cancer early on (Barker & Rose 1997). The effectiveness of breast screening on mortality rates has prompted a surge of literature and criticism. Acceptable accuracy and reliability, cost- effectiveness and acceptability by the target population were amongst the factors that were identified as determinants of a successful screening test. These factors in tum influence the uptake of a screening technique. The aim of this study is to explore women's knowledge of breast screening. A self-administered questionnaire was used which generated both qualitative and quantitative data. A convenient sample of fifty participants took part in this study, giving a 100% response rate. Qualitative data was analysed using content analysis. Participants throughout this study revealed a general lack of knowledge and various misconceptions about breast screening. Fear was found to be both an inhibiting as well as an encouraging factor. Only a few women knew what a national screening programme was (n=16). Moreover women identified inconvenience due to distance and time of travelling to free of charge mammography to be one of their prime hindering factors. This further adds on to the current debate concerning the location of the proposed national screening programme in Malta. From the data collected recommendations for planned and evaluated breast health education programmes and a similar large scale study are suggested. Furthermore misconceptions should be addressed and clarified.