Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Rates in Women with Serious Mental Illness

Women with serious mental illness (SMI) may be at increased risk for developing breast and cervical cancer, due partly to their lower use of preventive breast and cervical cancer screenings. Studies have consistently shown that women with SMI receive mammograms and Pap smears at rates that are much lower than those of the general population. Research suggests that women with SMI may be more likely to postpone presentation of symptoms of cancer, delay the diagnostic process, or present with advanced stage disease. As a result, women with SMI also have increased mortality rates from cancer. Barriers to screening for women with SMI include difficulty making and keeping appointments, poor communication between providers and consumers, fear of the procedure, and fear of a cancer diagnosis.

To better understand the factors that may affect breast and cervical cancer screening rates in women with SMI, we have conducted chart reviews of women at the Delaware Psychiatric Center, an inpatient residential treatment facility, and two outpatient community mental health centers. Results from these chart reviews describe the rates and outcomes of screening across the continuum of care by demographics, service type and diagnosis. Strategies for improving screening rates for this population will be discussed.