A research group led by Professor Nanako Tamiya of the University of Tsukuba conducted a secondary analysis of data from the Comprehensive Survey of Living Conditions and clarified the characteristics (such as age and non-receipt of specific breast cancer screenings) associated with non-existence of breast cancer screening.In addition, we developed a simplified risk score to predict non-medical visits.
In Japan, cancer screening rates are low, and breast cancer is no exception.The government set a goal of raising the cancer screening rate to 2016% or more by fiscal 50, but the target for breast cancer has not been achieved even in 2019.In order to improve the uptake rate of breast cancer screening, it is important to clarify what kind of people do not undergo screening.
The research group conducted a secondary analysis of data from the 2016 and 2019 Comprehensive Survey of Living Conditions (household questionnaires and health questionnaires) to clarify characteristics associated with non-existence of breast cancer screening.In addition, from these data, we developed a simple risk score to predict non-existence of breast cancer screening.
As a result of the analysis, 50 years old and over, low educational status, low household expenditure, national health insurance (as the type of health insurance covered), employment in small and medium-sized enterprises and non-regular employment, no specific health checkup, Lack of regular visits to a medical institution was associated with non-existence of breast cancer screening.
In addition, among these related items, age (55-64 years old: 1 point, 65-74 years old: 3 points), type of health insurance (for those enrolled in National Health Insurance It was found that the risk score composed of three variables, 1 point) and non-examination within the past year (1 points), can well predict the number of women who have not undergone breast cancer screening.
It is expected that the results of this study will be useful in understanding women who are likely not to undergo breast cancer screening and encouraging them to do so.
