The impact of age and race on mammography practices

Mortality from breast cancer has recently begun to decline, primarily because of increased use of mammography screening. Although initial mammography utilization rates for women over 50 in the general population are high, compliance with regular, repeat mammograms is quite low. Both initial and repeat mammography utilization rates are much lower for older women and minority women. The study purpose was to identify age and racial differences in mammography beliefs of women for whom cost had been eliminated. Effects of age and race on perceived benefits and barriers to mammography were examined. Differences in reasons for not getting a mammogram were explored. Data were collected via self-report surveys from 817 noncompliant women at baseline and 1 to 2 months after an intervention to increase mammography compliance. An interaction effect on total barriers with race and age was demonstrated. Controlling for education and income, younger Caucasians and older African Americans had the highest total barriers scores. Racial and age differences on individual barrier and benefit items also were found. Results can be used to develop interventions targeted to address different barrier patterns for women of different age and racial groups.