Impact of selected environmental factors on attendance in the Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Programme in the Wielkopolska Province of Poland during 2007–2012

Breast and cervical cancer represent a significant health and economic issue for Polish society, although if detected early, both can be cured successfully. For this reason, since 2006, according to the National Cancer Combat Programme, populationbased screening programmes have been implemented, aimed at reducing the mortality and morbidity for breast and cervical cancer. The aim of this study is to determine which of the selected four environmental factors affect attendance for screening mammography and cytology. Analysis included data from questionnaires filled in during mammography by 582,959 women aged 50–69 years, and 288,142 women during cytology, aged 25–59 years, in 2007–2012 in the Wielkopolska Province of Poland. It was found that the impact of medical staff on the attendance for cytological screening was the strongest statistically significant factor (p = 0,0001). Invitation by name (p=0,001) and other factors (p= 0,0001) also affected the attendance. In the cytological screening, medical staff was the factor that had the greatest impact on attendance. Other factors, such as self-reporting, increased participation in the next screening rounds, although the factors that affect attendance changed over time. Their constant analysis is essential for the efficient and effective evaluation of screening programsme.