Charging a Fee for Mammograms That Were Once Free Cuts Participation

Charging a fee for mammograms that formerly were free reduces the number of women who go for screening, according to researchers from Turku, Finland in a report published in The Lancet.

Mammograms in Turku were free until 1997 when charges for some women were implemented in order to reduce the healthcare budget. Screening continued to be free-of-charge for women ages 50 to 59, but women ages 40 to 49 and 60 to 69 were charged about $15 for the procedure.

Researchers compared the number of women eligible for screening in the 40 to 49 and 60 to 69 age range who had mammograms before and after the introduction of the fee.

Before the fee was charged, 75 percent of women in the 40 to 49 age group and 99 percent of the women in the 60 to 69 age group had mammograms.

After the fee was introduced, 66 percent of the 40 to 49 group and 88 percent of the 60 to 69 age group had mammograms.

Researchers conclude, "The introduction of a customer fee in Turku sent a message to the female population, stating that the healthcare system was questioning regular screening by mammography. For breast cancer screening to reduce mortality, the attendance rates need to be high, which means screening should be free of charge."

Other Sources: The Lancet