Uptake of screening for breast cancer in south Lancashire.
OBJECTIVE
To describe and explain variation among general practices in the uptake of screening for breast cancer.


METHODS
Analysis of the variation in uptake of screening by general practice. Uptake rates are calculated and related to a social deprivation score created for each practice, and to the presence of at least one female general practitioner.


METHODS
South Lancashire Health Authority, England.


METHODS
All women aged 50-64 y registered with Lancashire Family Health Services Authority and resident in South Lancashire in 1988-1995.


RESULTS
Variation in the uptake of screening for breast cancer during Round 1 of the national programme is explained partly by a deprivation score for each practice and by the presence of at least one female general practitioner. In Round 2 the deprivation index continues to explain variation, but the effect of a female GP has diminished. The number of hours worked by practice nurses has no effect on uptake of breast screening.


CONCLUSIONS
Variation in the uptake of breast cancer screening is closely related to social deprivation. Results suggest that the presence of a female general practitioner has a beneficial effect on uptake.
Gatrell
A
A
Institute for Health Research, Lancaster University.
Garnett
S
S
Rigby
J
J
Maddocks
A
A
Kirwan
M
M
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004739:England; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010822:Physicians, Women; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors