OBJECTIVES:  The purpose of our research was to reveal the motivational and restraining factors that prevail on screening participation and to examine the knowledge of the respondents on breast cancer, breast cancer screening among women attending screenings. METHODS:  Quantitative cross-sectional study was carried out in 2016 at the Breast Centre of the Radiology Clinic, University of Pécs, among women between 45-65 years, who attended on mammography with an invitation letter or medical referral Patients with a diagnosis of breast cancer or other malignant diseases were excluded (n=333). The question groups of the questionnaire were: sociodemographic data, reasons for examination, attitude, knowledge about breast cancer and breast screening. Besides descriptive statistical analysis χ2-test, ANOVA, Kruskall Wallis, Mann-Withney test, logistic regression were applied (p<0.05) with SPSS 20.0 program. RESULTS:  Most respondents (73%) were influenced by their environment to participate on breast screening. However, they are more afraid of finding some kind of lesion compared to other patients without complaints (p=0.002). Those living in a relationship are more likely to participate on mammography within two years (ß=0.649, p=0.041; OR=1.91, 95%CI [1.02; 3.57]. The unpleasantness of the test was considered as the most important among the restraining factors. 283 women (85%) failed to recognize the symptoms of breast cancer. The knowledge of breast cancer symptoms is a protective factor for screening regarding absence (ß =1,225, p=0.029; OR=0.29, 95%CI [0.09, 0.88.] Risk factors of breast cancer were completely listed only by a few patients from the sample, 6.3%. The main source of information was the gynecologist (33.7%). CONCLUSIONS:  The current value of breast cancer screening appearance is around 50%, still below the expected level (70%). The expansion of population knowledge, efforts to decrease the negative experience about the examination, the organization of fast and flexible screening service can support the achievement of this goal.