Examining racial and ethnic health disparities among women who recieved breast cancer screenings.

摘要

In the United States, according to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second most fatal cancer in women with 1 in 8 lifetime probability of having breast cancer. An estimated 40,170 deaths in 2009 accounted for 15% of cancer fatalities in women. Incidence continues to rise as women age and minority populations increase. This study aimed to identify what breast cancer screening exams were utilized. Data from The National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) 2010 from CDC, investigated trends in types of Breast Cancer screening exams; no screening, only clinical breast exam, only mammogram, or both exams in women 40 years and older. The study explored relationships of type of breast cancer screening exams by race/ethnicity, age, family history of breast cancer, educational attainment, health insurance, household income, region/geographical location, and visitation to one's doctor. In total 14,900 women reported about their breast cancer screening experience, 79.8% of women reported receiving some type of breast cancer screening exam. Using univariate and multivariate polychotomous logistic regression, women aged 60-69 had statistically significant odds of having only CBE, only mammogram, or both exams in OR = 10.2 (95% CI 6.46, 15.5), OR = 6.17 (95% CI 3.36, 10.2), OR = 8.04 (95% CI 4.84, 13.7) than women 70 years and older. With multivariate analysis significant associations between family history of breast cancer (p = 0.0144), health insurance (p = <0.0001), and visitation to one's doctor (p =<0.0001) were associated with being screened for breast cancer. Contrary to hypothesis, the final weighted model showed no significant differences between race/ethnicity and screening type. Interestingly, 10.2% of women with insurance neglected any screening type. In supporting Healthy People 2010 and 2020, this study will provide important research for future directions in the development and implementation of programs that influence and persuade women to receive breast cancer screening for early detection and control of breast cancer.