Yes Irb_03 the rates are pretty pathetic. At least 40% of women 50-74 do not screen across this country. I am not sure about allowances in those stats for those of us diagnosed. That seems to be different across the states too. In WA, if BS has detected your cancer, you get invited back ONE year after that screen date, which is good for those women who cannot afford private screening, although is it most bulk-billed if you have had a BC diagnosis? Other states have a 5 year 'ineligible' period after diagnosis. Even though BS detected my cancer at a routine screen, I now want a 3D Tomo and an ultrasound every year.
My theory is, if women were invited from 45 (as the data shows they should be) this may in turn increase participation rates for those 50 and over - women getting into the system earlier and into a routine of screening, before the majority of menopausal symptoms arise, before having to do bowel screening, etc......If women knew that 20% of BC's are found in women 40-49 and that this only increases by 3% 50-59 then perhaps they would book an appointment.
