Although breast cancer screening has increased in the last decade and mammograms have become increasingly accessible, mammography remains underutilized in some populations. We used two data sources to compare characteristics of women seeking low-cost mammography to those of women in the general population. A telephone survey was administered to 228 women who were income-ineligible for free mammograms from the Minnesota Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program (MBCCCP) and were subsequently sent information on an American Cancer Society low cost ($60.00) program, the Breast Cancer Detection Awareness Project (BCDAP). Questions addressed mammography history, use of BCDAP, and screening barriers. The CDC 1997 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey provided information on mammography history, health care coverage, and demographic characteristics among women in Minnesota. The percentage of women, ages 40-65, who received a mammogram in the past two years was similar among the BCDAP and BRFSS samples (75% versus 71%). In addition, the BCDAP and BRFSS populations were similar on race, metro residence, and recent physician visit, however, women in the BCDAP sample were less educated and more likely to be married than those in BRFSS. Among women who were sent BCDAP information, 22% used BCDAP to obtain mammography, while 33% used another source, and 45% did not receive a mammogram. Among those not receiving a mammogram, cost was the most frequently cited factor. This study suggests that although MBCCCP exists and BCDAP appears an effective supplement, there remain women who cannot or do not use these programs.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Breast Cancer Screening,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: American Cancer Society
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: This needs assessment was funded by the American Cancer Society