The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #59087

Rosalie F. Young, PhD, Community Medicine/Medicine, Wayne State University, 4201 St. Antoine, University Health Center, Detroit, MI 48201, 313 577-6681, ryoung@med.wayne.edu and Richard Severson, Family Medicine/Medicine, Wayne State University, 4201 St. Antoine, University Health Center, Detroit, MI 48201.

Background: Two populations with high need for regular breast cancer screening are older women and African Americans. This study sought to determine the barriers to mammography screening they face. Method: 405 African American women, age 40-72, without a recent mammogram, were enrolled in a two phase study of breast cancer screening. Subjects were, a) approached in community settings about enrollment in a free breast /cervical cancer screening program for low-income, uninsured women, b) called within a week of contact and administered a questionnaire, c) called three months later to determine breast cancer screening behavior. Results: While only 26% of eligible women participated in free screening, this was less likely among older African Americans (>age 50). This older cohort showed several age differences in barriers to mammography screening: they had significantly less knowledge of several breast cancer risk factors, poorer screening histories prior to study enrollment, and less favorable medical care experiences. Conclusion: Structural and behavioral barriers, alike, impede breast cancer screening in a dual risk population (older, African American). Outreach and educational efforts are needed to reduce a mammography screening gap in the target population; these efforts should focus on reducing informational, attitudinal, and access barriers.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the differences in breast cancer knowledge among older and younger African American women.
• Learn how a "barriers" model of cancer screening applies to an older minority population.
• Identify which African American women are most likely to adhere to breast cancer screening recommendations.

Keywords: Breast Cancer Screening, African American

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.