Abstract
INTRODUCTION: In Belgium, an effective preventive program for breast cancer exists but as in many countries to few women participates in the screening. This study aims to describe the factors that affect the participation in the national breast cancer screening program. METHODS: The participants were aged between 50 and 69 years and were recruited during an exhibition at the Brussels Exhibition Centre. Medical history and health-related parameters of the participants were recorded. RESULTS: In total, 350 women aged between 50 and 69 years participated. After adjustment for age and region, 81.5% of the participants had a mammography during the past 2 years. The multivariate analysis confirms the association between not having had a mammography and (a) having an older age (odds ratio [OR]: 0.25-0.87), (b) having diabetes (OR: 0.08-0.80), (c) having a family history of coronary heart disease (OR: 0.16-0.80), (d) not following a cholesterol diet or treatment (OR: 0.10-0.91) and (e) having a higher body mass index (OR: 0.39-0.97). Having had a mammogram was associated with adherence to cervical smear screening (OR: 2.74-11.21). CONCLUSIONS: Most of these associations are most likely related to socioeconomic status. However, the relationship with diabetes offers opportunities to increase the participation in breast cancer screening programs because these patients have regular contacts with their family physicians.