Social inequalities and female cancer screening

Reducing health inequalities has been the goal for Finnish health policy for decades. Major socioeconomic disparities still exist and cancer mortality is an important underlying cause. Organised cancer screening programme can effectively reduce cancer mortality and incidence. In Finland substantial disparities in uptake of female cancer screening can be observed. Immigrants are less likely to uptake cancer screening than natives but participation varies across different immigrant groups. Socioeconomic and regional differences in participation can be attributed to population characteristics, lifestyle, knowledge, attitudes and differences in an invitation system. Tailored approaches are necessary to promote cancer screening uptake among the most vulnerable groups.

Original title: Sosiaalinen eriarvoisuus ja naisten syöpäseulonnat

Authors: M. K. Leinonen, M. Lamminmäki, P. Koponen, H. Kuusio, A. Anttila

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