Factors associated with repeat mammography in a New York State public health screening program

Screening mammography is the most effective method for early detection of breast cancer, but repeat mammography rates are not optimal in most populations. Since 1988, New York State has supported a program of breast cancer screening for underserved, uninsured, or underinsured women. The present study was designed to identify sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with failure to return for repeat mammography screening after a negative initial mammogram. Of women initially screened between 1988 and 1991 (N = 9,485), 27 percent obtained repeat mammograms by 1993. The final logistic regression model contained program site, race and ethnicity, family income, and time since last mammogram.