Age, Health Beliefs and Breast Cancer Screening Program Participation in Valencian Community, Spain

Abstract

Background: Age has a significant bearing on health beliefs related to participating in breast cancer screening programs. This study is aimed at analyzing the breast cancer-related beliefs and attitudes influencing screening program participation among different age groups. Methods: In a transversal study, a comparison is drawn between the health-related beliefs of a group of women participating in a screening program and a group of non-participating women, taking into account three age ranges (under age 50 (N=279), 50-60 age range (N=463), and over age 60 (N=271). Results: Some variables significantly differ between the participating and non-participating women solely in certain subgroups: perceived severity (50-60 age group: F=5.14; p<0.01); perceived benefits (under age 50: F=8.18; p<0.01; over age 60: F=4.54; p <0.001); professional health check-ups (under age 50: F=11.30; p<0.01) and luck or chance (under age 50:F=3.78; p<0.05; 50-60 age group: F=4.29; p<0.001). More specific beliefs, assessed by items from these scales, are also statistically significant (p<0.05), although only for certain age groups. Conclusions: Women's breast cancer prevention participation related beliefs and/or attitudes differ in terms of their age.