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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Kassandra Alcaraz, Health Communication Research Laboratory, Saint Louis University, 3545 Lafayette Ave, St. Louis, MO 63104, 314-977-4160, alcarazk@slu.edu

Disparities in breast cancer mortality are, in part, due to differences in screening and early detection. However, use of available screening services requires awareness of and access to those services. This study used Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to determine how awareness of mammography services varies by zip code. Data for the study were obtained from the Reflections of You project, which placed computerized breast cancer education kiosks in beauty salons, Laundromats, health centers, social service agencies, churches, public libraries and health fairs between 2003-2005. The touch-screen kiosks collected information from over 5,000 users, including the zip code of their home address, and used their answers to create and print a tailored mammography magazine for each user. In addition to breast cancer knowledge questions, users answered questions about their awareness of local mammography services and their accessibility to these services. Using GIS, we examined geographic patterns awareness of mammography services and compared these to patterns of breast cancer mortality and late stage diagnosis. Results show key differences in awareness by zip code, and these differences correspond to previous GIS-generated maps from the same neighborhoods showing disparities in late-stage diagnosis of breast cancer among African American women. Recognizing specific populations that are less informed about mammography services and those that have less access to such services can inform strategic decision making about outreach for breast cancer screening. Given disparities in breast cancer mortality and late stage diagnosis, these findings can aid us in developing targeted mammography awareness and support programs.

Learning Objectives: