Low-income, older women show reduced utilization rates for breast cancer screening. The purpose of this study was to examine a motivated population of low-income, older women to determine whether past breast cancer screening behavior in an income-eligible screening program leads to federal Medicare funded screening. Study design was non-experimental and cross-sectional. A convenience sample of 512 women age 65-67 from South Carolina was contacted via telephone and completed a 32-question survey. The sample was 63% African-American, 37% White, and <1% Other. The sample was demographically similar. Data were used to develop models predicting and/or correlating behavioral intention to have a mammogram and ability to have Medicare pay for future mammograms. 87% intended to have a mammogram within one year. Older women learn about Medicare primarily through information received in the mail, television/radio, and from friends/family. Women who knew the differences between Medicare Parts A and B and understand that Part B pays for annual screening mammography showed higher levels of intention and ability. Whether the woman believes it is important to have a mammogram to avoid dying from breast cancer was also associated with intention. No demographic characteristics correlated with behavioral intention. Results indicate a need for additional examination of provider continuity of care and whether behavioral intention translates to actual performance of behavior. Participation in a breast cancer screening program may translate to higher utilization rates of mammography in this population.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in the session will be able to: (1) recognize the importance of breast cancer screening utilization by older women; (2) identify potential educational strategies to increase utilization of breast cancer screening services for older women based on findings from this study; (3) discuss the potential after-effects of income-eligible breast cancer screening programs
Keywords: Breast Cancer Screening, Women's Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Funding for study provided by the research arm of the South Carolina Cancer Center (Grant #99-20)
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Grant award from research arm of South Carolina Cancer Center, employment at South Carolina Cancer Center