Trends in Mammogram Use among American Women

The combined sample consists of 194,944 women aged 42 years and above. We compared the BRFSS 2001 and 2008 estimated rates of mammogram use of race/ethnic groups and groups with different levels of education and household income. We used logistic regression to identify the effects of these factors on mammogram use.

Results: The 2008 prevalence rate (84.3%) was significantly lower than the 2001 prevalence rate (86.91%). In the logistic regression models, the odds of mammogram use significantly increased by 125% when incomes are $50,000 or higher compared to incomes less than $25,000, by 12% with more than a high school education compared to less than high school, by 52% and 64% when the respondent is black non-Hispanic or Hispanic compared to whites non-Hispanic respectively. In separate models, education and income increased the odds of mammogram use among white non-Hispanics; and income but not education among black non-Hispanics. Neither income nor education predicted mammogram use among Hispanics.

Conclusion: The current decline in up-to-date mammogram screening nationally as well as among socio-economic groups is a public health concern that needs intervention and further research.