Information on organized screening for breast cancer: qualitative study of women and practitioners in the Poitou-Charentes county

This study was an evaluation of communication campaigns for the organized breast cancer screening tests. Women and practitioners in Charente and Vienne departments were interviewed in order to evaluate the campaigns' impact in terms of information tools memorization, organized screening test knowledge and attitude towards screening. The study revealed general practitioner's difficulties in appropriating the breast cancer organized screening and incomplete procedures knowledge; the information given to women by practitioners was therefore incomplete. The evaluation found that women had diversified breast cancer screening information, but some had difficulties in beginning screening test procedure. These women need a local communication network through associations and institutions to be reassured, advised and guided during the procedure.