Empowering Factors Among Breast Cancer Screening Compliant Underserved Populations

摘要

Breast cancer is the second leading cancer death in women in the United States. Mammography screening can reduce this breast cancer burden, but even with the barrier of insurance removed, it is underutilized by minority and low-income women. Identify influences leading 25% of minority and low-income women to adhere to mammography screening guidelines. Personal interviews and telephone surveys on mammography knowledge, attitudes and behavior. Women members of a Tennessee managed care organization with incomes less than 200% above poverty and at least 40 years old. Personal factors overcoming barriers: knowledge of risk factors; knowledge and trust in early detection and treatments; personal responsibility about own health; pride and satisfaction with one's own actions. Compliant women recognized symptoms of breast cancer, the health system's ability to cure it, and the importance of early detection in survival and they knew others with breast cancer. Family, friends, and convenient location were major factors in compliance. Most cooperate with their physicians. Compliant women know of community healthcare services, women with breast cancer, the importance of early detection, and proactive health behaviors. The project identified profiles of underserved women who are or are not adherent to repeat mammography screening guidelines.