Canada: 72 percent of women have mammogram

In 2008, 72 percent of women ages 50-69 in Canada reported having had a mammogram in the previous two years, up from 40 percent in 1990, researchers said.

Organized breast screening programs were initiated in 1988, and by 1998, had been established in all provinces. In 1990, 40 percent of women ages 50-69 reported that they had had a mammogram in the previous two years; by 2008, the rate was 72 percent, Statistics Canada reported.

All of the increase occurred from 1990-2000/2001, after which rates stabilized, the study said.

The use of mammography in 2008 was less common at lower levels of income and education, and among smokers and those without a regular doctor. Mammography use declined among women in the lowest income bracket between 2005-2008.

In addition, about 40 percent of Canadians age 50 or older reported up-to-date colorectal cancer testing in 2008.

For colorectal cancer, the likelihood of up-to-date testing was greater among people who lived in higher-income households, had a regular doctor, did not smoke and were active in their leisure time. Higher percentages of seniors age 65 or older had been tested, compared with individuals age 50-64.

The findings are from two research articles published in Health Reports.