Understanding Racial Disparities in Mammography Use Among Breast Cancer Survivors

摘要

Despite general consensus that breast cancer (BC) survivors should undergo annual mammography, findings indicate over 1 in 7 women fail to receive a mammogram within 2 years of BC treatment, and that African Americans are almost half as likely to participate in mammography screening as Caucasians. To develop and pilot test a survey instrument to understand what factors influence a BC survivor's decision to receive mammography and whether differences exist in these factors by patient race. Methods: Using information from the literature and focus groups (two each among African American and Caucasian BC survivors), we developed a mailed patient survey, which was mailed to African American and Caucasian BC survivors. Results were analyzed to identify the beliefs, social influences, and preferences for mammography screening attributes. Results: Overall, general trends showed that test accuracy, friendliness of staff, and ease of appointment scheduling were important attributes to mammogram screening use. Although the low response rates among non-users precluded us from comprehensively evaluating racial differences in the factors associated with mammogram use following BC treatment, the results provide promising preliminary data. Future research will continue investigations into understanding the mammography use decision making process and how this process differs by race. A primary consideration will also be how to improve research participation rates among non-users.