Cognitive and affective correlates of decisional balance regarding screening mammography in older women

Abstract

Participation in screening mammography remains suboptimal. This research aimed to improve understanding of ways to facilitate screening mammography attendance. One hundred and forty-two women from Gold Coast, Australia, aged 50–75, participated in the study. Social cognitive variables were assessed as potential predictors of mammography attendance. Most participants (79%) were maintaining regular screening mammography. Greater knowledge of breast cancer was the strongest predictor of decisional balance in favor of attending screening. Women who had relapsed from screening had significantly lower breast cancer worry than those contemplating attending for the first time. The results were consistent with previous research and point to factors screening services could consider to increase uptake.

Keywords:

• breast neoplasms
• mammography
• mass screening
• motivation
• behavior