C-C3-03: Indicators of Lifetime and Annual Mammography Screening in the Brazos Valley

Abstract

Background and Aims: Early detection and treatment of breast cancer is associated with reduced cancer mortality. While these preventive strategies are still seen as beneficial, new guidelines have recently been announced for the recommended timing of mammogram screenings for various age groups. This study examines patterns of mammogram use in 2006 and examines the relationship between demographic, health status, and healthcare access factors.

Method: Survey instruments were mailed to a random sample of households in the seven county region of the Brazos Valley in Texas (n=1,935). Data were analyzed from a sample of 617 adult females age 40 and older. Study variables include: age groupings (i.e., 40–49, 50–74), education, race/ethnicity, residence rurality, self-reported health status, depression scale scores (5 items, a=0.802), having had a visit with a medical provider in the previous 12 months, having had a lapse of insurance in the previous 3 years, and having had a mammogram in the previous 12 months. Associations were examined with Spearman correlation analyses. A logistic regression analysis was performed to identify variables associated with having had a mammogram in the previous 12 months.

Results: Over ninety percent of respondents (91.2%; 563 of 617) self-reported having had a mammogram in their lifetime and 62.4% (385 of 617) reported having had a mammogram in the previous 12 months. Of the females who had a mammogram in the previous 12 months, 14.0% (24 of 171) reported having not visited a medical provider in the previous 12 months. Having received a mammogram in the previous year was significantly correlated with having more education (ρ =0.083, P<0.05) and not having a lapse in health insurance coverage over the previous 3 years (ρ =0.155, P<0.01). Having received a mammogram in the previous 12 months was significantly associated with having visited a medical provider in the previous 12 months (OR=28.352, P<0.001).

Conclusion: Most women have had at least one mammogram, which suggests the successful dissemination of preventive cancer screening guidelines and minimal evidence of health disparities. Routine check-ups are the major driver for meeting prior mammogram recommendations, which emphasizes the importance of access to regular care when implementing the new screening guidelines.