Cervical and breast cancer screening utilization among Hispanic women living near the U.S.-Mexico border

Objectives: To assess breast and cervical cancer screening utilization patterns among post-reproductive age, medically-underserved Hispanic women living in a predominantly rural county along the U.S.-Mexico border. Methods: Women age 50 or older (n = 504) were randomly selected for interviews regarding utilization of cancer screening services and related behaviors. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify determinants of short and long-term compliance with breast and cervical cancer screening. Results: Doctor recommended Pap smear, doctor recommended mammogram, visiting health care provider in last 12 months, and having health insurance were related to screening behavior. Among women that have never had a hysterectomy, those with both Pap and mammography recommendations by a clinician were more likely to get a Pap within the last 5 years (OR = 14.9; p<0.001) than women told only to get a Pap (OR = 3.0; p=0.18), compared to no recommendation. Among all women, those with both Pap and mammography recommendations by a clinician were more likely to get a mammogram within the last 5 years (OR = 7.1; p<0.001) than women told only to get a mammogram (OR = 3.0; p=0.03), compared to no recommendation. Conclusions: We found that Hispanic women living along U.S.-Mexican Border were more likely to participate in cervical or breast cancer screening programs when both are recommended. Opportunistic screening at visits to medical providers and education, including recommending Pap smears and mammograms, could increase cervical and breast cancer screening coverage and reduce the burden of these two cancers in this high-risk population.