Self-reported early detection activities for breast cancer in Colombia in 2010: impact of socioeconomic and demographic characteristics

Abstract

Objective. To explore which socioeconomic and demographic characteristics influence Colombian women to utilize screening mammography (SMMG). Materials and methods. Data of women aged 40-49 years (n=12 345) and 50-69 years (n=14 771) from the Colombian national survey of demography and health 2010 was analyzed. Risk estimates (odds ratios, OR) of self-reported SMMG use were obtained using logistic regression. Results. Among women aged 50-69 years, high wealth index (OR=4.7; CI95%, 3.9-5.8), affiliation to special or contributory health insurance regime (OR=3.4; CI95% 2.6-4.6 and OR=2.5; CI95% 2.1-3.0 respectively), health consultation in previous year (OR=2.7; CI95% 2.3-3.1), high education level (OR=2.3; CI95% 1.8-2.9) and very good selfreported health (OR=1.5; CI95% 1.1-2.0) positively influenced SMMG utilization. Among women aged 40-49 years, likelihood of having a SMMG was high after a health consultation in the previous year. Conclusions. Socioeconomic and demographic differences in use of SMMG need to be contemplated in screening recommendations before considering an organized population-based programme.

Keywords

• breast cancer
• cancer early detection
• mass screening
• developing countries
• Colombia