Age differences in mammography screening behavior among rural Texas women

Background: Little is known about how community events can positively impact screening adherence among middle-aged women living in rural and frontier areas. This study documents the past prevention behaviors of women in these areas and examines age differences in commitment to recommended screening after screening intervention. Methods: The study includes survey data on personal characteristics and mammography behavior from 727 women aged 40-64 attending an evidence-based Friend-to-Friend community event on cancer screening in 33 counties in Texas during 2011. After the sessions, women could pledge to obtain a mammography within the next six months. Differences in mammography screening behavior were assessed for women age 40-49 compared to age 50-64. Results: Thirty-three percent of the women were age 40-49, and 67% were age 50-64. Among women who had received a mammogram within the last 12 months, both age groups were equally likely (77%) to commit to another mammography. Among those who had received a mammogram in the last 13-24 months, the older women tended to be more likely to commit to a mammogram (78% vs. 74%). However, younger women were significantly more likely to commit to a mammogram if it had been longer than 24 months since screening (67% vs. 65%), including those that had never been screened (62% vs. 49%). Conclusion: Community screening events are valuable for encouraging middle-aged women who had not been screened in the past two years to seek screening. Yet, age barriers to screening commitment in rural and frontier areas persist among the highest risk group.