[Sociodemographic differences in the participation in "early detection of cancer examinations" in Germany--a review].

In 1971 a statutory programme aiming at the early detection of cancer was established in Germany. Since then, acceptance has been low, especially among men. In 2002, 49 % of the women, but only 20 % of the men entitled to screening, took part in the free preventive medical screening. This paper gives an overview of the research done in Germany between 1973 and 2003, examining the associations of sociodemographic factors with participation in cancer screening. All studies show that participation rates increase steadily with age in men, but decrease in elderly women (55 years and older). Participation rates among women are significantly associated with educational level and occupational status. Among men, however, the relationship between socio-economic status and attendance appears to be less pronounced. Since 1971, participation rates have increased much more among women than among men, but, interestingly, the reasons for the gender differences in attendance rates have not been studied until now. Variables which were identified in international studies as predictors of participation, such as physician's recommendation or marital status, should be acknowledged in future research.