BACKGROUND Finland has more favourable profile in breast cancer statistics compared to Hungary, along with an almost double participation rate in screening examinations. However, regarding medical practice and access to latest treatment only minor differences exist. Main hypothesis of the research was that awareness, knowledge and therefore better attitude towards breast cancer screening explains the difference in primary prevention’s efficiency. OBJECTIVES The aim of the questionnaire survey was to assess what extent women are aware of the prevention opportunities in their home country as well as being aware of risk factors of breast cancer; furthermore what impact does it have on their behaviour how they assess their own general health status and risk of cancer.  METHODS A web-based questionnaire survey was carried out in 2013-2014 among adult women. Demographic characteristics, lifestyle, general and cancer-specific health status (including personal and family history of breast cancer), knowledge and experience with primary prevention were covered. An internationally utilized medical risk calculator was included in the questionnaire for classifying responders based on their calculated risk of breast cancer, as well as to compare those to the risk assumed by themselves. RESULTS More than 400 participants were involved in the survey from the two countries. There were no significant differences identified in the acknowledged personal and family health background. Main difference was in the participation inclination in screening. Source of getting information means a major impact on prevention-related behaviour. Formal education and informing by medical staff were the most effective, however magnitude of uncontrolled ‘self-education’ via internet and social media is increasing with a potential biasing impact on knowledge. CONCLUSIONS Survey results suggest that utilizing participation ratio in comparative screening assessment as a key parameter. Results indicate that participation can be influenced by increasing efficiency of information flow, with proper education as one of the main intervention opportunities.