Trusting technology: women aged 40-49 years participating in screening for breast cancer--an exploratory study.
OBJECTIVE
This paper reports key findings from an exploratory study of factors associated with women's decision to participate in mass mammography screening in Tasmania. In particular, we explored factors that contribute to the choice to participate in screening by women who are outside the primary target group, and for whom the evidence of benefit remains contentious.


METHODS
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a small sample of women aged between 40 and 49 years in rural Tasmania who had participated in mammography screening.


RESULTS
Key ideas that appeared to shape participation included the fear of breast cancer, trust in technology, and taking responsibility for health. Information provision is also an important factor in shaping participation patterns.


CONCLUSIONS
In order to facilitate informed consent, information provision in this area should take account of the dominant ideas that shape the decision to participate in breast cancer screening.
Willis
Karen
K
School of Sociology and Social Work, University of Tasmania, Locked Bag 1-340G, Launceston, Tasmania 7250. k.willis@utas.edu.au
Baxter
Janeen
J
D000328:Adult; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography; D008403:Mass Screening; D008875:Middle Aged; D010358:Patient Participation; D012424:Rural Population; D012944:Social Support; D013648:Tasmania