1. Predictors of under-screening and lapse in BreastScreen NSW

2. Characteristics of under screeners

3. Key groups of under screeners
Based on key groups statistical analysis of NSW population health survey
The largest group of women more likely to under screen in NC was the low health service users followed by private service users. The remaining groups are not really relevant to NC.
December 2014

4. Attitudes and beliefs and their influence on screening
From the literature review the following factors were identified as barriers to screening:
Lack of family history of breast cancer means women think they are not at risk
Fear and concern about breast cancer and fear the results.
Less likely to hold positive attitudes towards preventative health programs, or in efficacy of screening
Cultural barriers
Previous poor experience
Fear and concern about screening may be enhanced by campaign messages that highlight the prevalence of breast cancer
December 2014

5. Cues to action
Under screeners report a lack of external prompts and reminders as a key barrier – in spite of many women receiving invitations or reminders from BreastScreen
Women who have internalised the routine nature of screening are significantly more likely to be regular screeners, than women who respond to external prompts
External prompts, such as from GPs or campaigns, are necessary to remind those women who are unlikely to remember themselves
M&R and GPs need to emphasize the routine of screening, even in the absence of any symptoms

6. Self efficacy to screen and cues to action
Barriers that negatively impact on engaging in regular screening:
working full time (more than 31 hours per week)
inconvenience of screening location; and
lack of transportation
Perceived lack of prompts
Convenience of services may play a key role in enabling screening
December 2014