Inequality in Breast Cancer Screening Tests Uptake among Women in Western Iran

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Iranian women. Numerous studies have shown the positive effect of screening behaviors in reducing breast cancer mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the level of inequality in breast cancer screening tests uptake (breast self-exam (BSE), clinical breast exam (CBE), and mammography) in western Iran.

This cross-sectional study was performed among 907 women aged 30 and older in Kermanshah. Data were collected using a questionnaire through interviews. The concentration index and concentration curve were used to quantify and analyze inequality in breast cancer screening (SBE, CBE, and mammography). Crude and adjusted odds ratios were used to assess the relationship of each of the three screening behaviors with different subgroups.

The history of SBE, CBE, and mammography were 28.22%, 18.85%, and 17.75%, respectively. The concentration curve was calculated to be 0.268 (P < 0.001) for SBE, 0.126 (P < 0.001) for CBE, and 0.066 (P = 0.166) for mammography.

The focus of health promotion interventions should be on groups of low socioeconomic status. The development of public awareness-raising campaigns, especially for less educated women, can lead to favorable results in reducing inequality in breast cancer screening test uptake.