Explaining participation in programmes for the early detection of breast cancer

A comparative multi-centre trial to evaluate different methods for the early detection of breast cancer is being carried out in the UK. Its success depends, in part, upon achieving a high rate of participation. The study described here examines through an interview survey why women decided either to attend or not to attend a clinic providing mammography or a class teaching breast self-examination (BSE). Women found the breast screening clinic more attractive than a class teaching BSE and thus the latter had a lower attendance rate than the former. Those who attended the clinic or the class appeared to be generally satisfied with the service provided, although some specific complaints were made, particularly about the painfulness of the screening process itself.