Use of mammography and Pap smear in Estonia, a country without organized cancer screening

Summary

Objectives:

To analyze mammography and Pap smear status in Estonia where no organized population-based cancer screening is available.

Methods:

5000 individuals (aged 16–64) were randomly chosen from the national population register; among them, 1755 women filled out postal questionnaires.

Results:

50% of respondents aged 45–64 reported having taken a mammogram, 51% of women aged 25–64 had the Pap smear at least once in their lifetime. Corresponding figures for the past two years were 37% and 30%. Irrespective of age, women taking fewer tests over the past two years were rural workers, unemployed, and health behavior recommendations ignorers. In most cases, initiative for mammogram came from women, and from the physician in the case of Pap smear. Moderate increase in mammography use occurred after a project for early detection of breast cancer was launched.

Conclusion:

Women must continuously be informed that early detection of breast and cervical cancer is possible. Young women should be encouraged to ask for Pap testing. Knowledge of family physicians should be improved.