Mobile breast screening services in Australia: A qualitative exploration of perceptions and experiences among rural and remote women aged ≥75 years

Objective

This qualitative descriptive study draws on data collected from a sub-sample of 15 women participating in a national study (n = 60) exploring the breast cancer screening motivations and behaviours of women aged ≥75 years. The study aimed to understand why women living in rural and remote areas might continue accessing mobile breast cancer screening despite being outside the targeted age range.

Setting

Settings ranged from large towns to very remote communities (according to Monash Modified Model (MMM) classification 3–7) where BreastScreen Australia mobile screening services were available.

Participants

Interview data from 15 women aged ≥75 years living in rural and remote locations who had used mobile screening services was utilised for this study.

Design

In-depth individual interviews were conducted via telephone or online platform (Zoom). These were transcribed verbatim and imported into NVivo software to enable thematic analysis to identify key themes.

Results

Many women aged ≥75 years in rural and remote areas expressed clear intentions to continue breast cancer screening, despite no longer being invited to do so. They perceived great value in the mobile service and were highly appreciative for it yet acknowledged limited sources of information about the process of ongoing screening.

Conclusion

Few women in rural and remote areas had discussed ongoing breast cancer screening with their general practitioner (GP). More information is required to inform women about the risks and benefits of ongoing screening. Without an invitation to attend screening rural women reported difficulty in knowing when the service would be available. Ongoing notification of the availability of mobile services for women aged ≥75 years in rural areas is recommended.