Aim: This study investigated anxiety levels before, during and after mammography in the Waikato breast cancer screening pilot.
Method: A sample of 1085 women on the Waikato database were sent survey questionnaires, which included questions about the anxiety experienced. Data from 584 completed questionnaires were obtained.
Results: Two significant findings were identified. The first was that population-based screening can ultimately reduce anxiety for participants who receive a clear result from their mammogram. The second finding was that levels of worry throughout were related to ethnicity. Maori and Pacific Island women reported higher levels of worry than New Zealand European and Asian women about developing breast cancer (p<0.001), while awaiting their appointment (p=0.041) and results (p=0.046). Across all groups, levels of worry about developing breast cancer were also related to level of education (p=0.018), a family history of breast cancer (p=0.002), stress levels during screening mammography (p<0.001), and experience of pain during the procedure (p<0.001). At least some months following receipt of their results, 67% (95% CI 63-71) of all women experienced reassurance from receiving a clear result.
Conclusions: The results show that the population-based screening programme demonstrates greater potential to ultimately relieve (rather then increase) anxiety for participants who receive a clear result from their mammogram.