UICC World Cancer Congress 2006

Objective: Investigating factors which influenced decisions of Chinese-Australian women with regard to mammographic screening.

Methods:Using a qualitative approach, in-depth interviews were conducted in Cantonese with twenty Chinese-Australian women. Data were considered using content data analysis.

Results:The findings indicated two facilitators promoted willingness to undergo screening. These were firstly: organizational factors (an invitation letter from BreastScreen and seniors' clubs arrangements), and secondly, the influence of "significant others". Barriers identified were fear perceptions of mammography (the possibility of physical injury, concerns about radiation), doubts about the efficacy of the procedure, considerations of modesty and fear of stigmatization. It was found that medical practitioners had the potential to act as either facilitators or barriers to mammographic screening. Conclusion: An innovative approach is required that provides information about mammography in a culturally sensitive way. This study should provide a useful framework for designing and implementing mammographic screening services for Chinese-Australian women and thus improve their participation rate.