EFFECT ON ATTENDANCE AT BREAST-CANCER SCREENING OF ADDING A SELF-ADMINISTERED QUESTIONNAIRE TO THE USUAL INVITATION TO BREAST SCREENING IN SOUTHERN ENGLAND

Study objective-The primary aim of the research described in this pape r was to ascertain whether inclusion of a self administered questionna ire with the usual routine breast screening uptake. Secondary aims inc luded establishing appropriate questionnaire distribution and collecti on methods within the framework of the National Health Service Breast Screening Programme and optimisation of questionnaire design. Design-R andomised study. Setting-Oxfordshire and West of London Breast Screeni ng Units. Participants/Methods-6400 women invited for routine screenin g mammography were individually randomised to receive either the usual breast screening invitation alone, or to receive the usual invitation accompanied by a self administered questionnaire, to be returned at t he time of screening. Participants were then followed up and attendanc e rates at screening were compared between groups.Main results-Screeni ng attendance rates were similar in women who did and did not receive a questionnaire (71% in each group). Of those who were sent a question naire and attended for screening, 77% returned a completed questionnai re. Screening uptake was not affected by the way in which the question naire was returned or by whether or not personal details and signed pe rmission for follow up were requested. Conclusions-The inclusion of a self administered questionnaire accompanying the invitation to breast screening did not adversely affect screening uptake. A high proportion of women completed the questionnaire.