Estimation of Willingness to Pay For Mammographic Breast Cancer Screening Tests among Women in Tabriz: contingent valuation method

Abstract

Introduction: To use a contingent valuation method to compare the willingness of basic information and supplementary information women to pay for mammography screening. After long-term debate, breast cancer screening with mammography confirmed to reduce breast cancer death However, mammography screening is associated with considerable risks. Objective: determine the real price of mammography; women need to be aware of the possible disadvantages of mammography. Material and Method: A total of 450 women aged 35-55 years old participated in an interview-based. The subjects were randomly divided into 2 groups. Group 1 (n =225) was provided with information about the procedure, detection rate, and mortality-reducing effects of mammography screening. Additional information was given to group 2 (n =225), including the possibility of false-positive or false-negative results, the risks of close examination, and the possibility of overdiagnoses. The willingness to pay (WTP) was assessed using a double-bound dichotomous choice and open-ended method. Result: The average willingness to pay was significantly greater in group 1(basic information) than in group 2 (supplementary information) ($30 vs $26.32, P<0.01). Seemingly Unrelated Bivariate Probit model analysis showed that women’s with a history of receiving mammography screening, history of family cancer, education and with greater incomes had a significantly greater willingness to pay. Conclusion: Although providing information on the risks of mammography screening significantly decreased women’s willingness to pay for such tests, the supplementary informed group was still willing to pay 26.32$ These findings suggest that women can balance the potential disadvantages of mammography screening against its effectiveness in saving lives.