Changes in Canadian women's mammography rates since the implementation of mass screening programs.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This study reports on Canadian mammography rates between 1990, when mass screening programs were launched, and 1994/95. METHODS: Mammography rates from 2 national surveys were compared according to the presence of a provincial screening program. RESULTS: Mammography rates among women aged 50 to 69 years (the targeted group) increased significantly, by 16%; increases were twice as high in provinces with screening programs. Among women in their 40s (nontargeted group), the changes were insignificant and independent of screening program status. CONCLUSIONS: Screening programs appear to have influenced the mammography rates of targeted women aged 50 to 69 years.