In 2017, one in eight Australian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2016) (AIHW 2016). However, the participation rate of breast screening is declining. Although the pros and cons of breast screening have been discussed a lot, there are few studies to investigate the reasons of the lower participation rates of breast cancer screening in 2016-2017. The purpose of this research proposal is to explore and investigate the factors associated with elderly women’s decisions on breast cancer screening in Australia. In addition, this research could help BreastScreen programmes work better, and increase the number of breast cancer screening among women aged 50-74 in Australia. Background Breast cancer …show more content…
Early detection and appropriate treatment can significantly improve the survival rate of breast cancer. The survival rate can reach 90% by early detection and effective treatment (Cancer Council Australia 2016). Therefore, the Australian government has taken actions to raise awareness through a comprehensive screening programme called BreastScreen. Since 1991, this national screening programme has been implemented in Australia. It invites women aged 50-74 years old without breast symptoms for a free screen every two years, and encourages women to participate in order to detect breast cancer earlier and save lives (Autier 2011, p. 136). Breast cancer screening is recommended for women aged 50 and above, because breasts become less dense as they are growing older, which is why this programme choose women aged 50-74 (AIHW 2016). The overall aim of this programme is to reduce illness and death from breast cancer by an organised approach to detect cancer at an early stage (Chetlen, Mack & Chan 2016, p. 280). As Australia is a multi-cultural society, BreastScreen puts efforts to appeal to women who have non-English speaking background, by using printed brochures in 19 …show more content…
However, this number decreased in 2013-2014 to 54.2%. The participation rate of Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander women declined by 36% (AIHW 2016). In 2014-2015, the participation rate of the target group decreased to 48.7% (AIHW 2016). When the participation rate declines, the number of death is increasing. In 2014, there were 2,844 deaths associated with breast cancer in Australia, the number is estimated that it will increase to 3,114 in 2017 (AIHW