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Initial and repeat mammography screening: different behaviors/different predictors
1East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA. maynel@mail.ecu.edu
Summary
Provider recommendations and past screening behavior strongly influence mammography participation. Tailored strategies are crucial for increasing regular breast cancer screening, especially for underserved women.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Preventive Medicine
- Oncology
Background:
- Mammography is vital for early breast cancer detection, yet screening rates remain suboptimal, particularly among minority, rural, and low-socioeconomic status women.
- Consistent mammography screening is essential to realize the full benefits of early detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify key predictors of mammography screening behavior in women over 50.
- To understand factors influencing both initial and repeat mammography participation.
Main Methods:
- A logistic regression analysis was performed on data from 830 randomly selected women over age 50 in rural, eastern North Carolina.
- Participants were categorized into three groups: never screened, screened more than 2 years ago, and screened within the past 2 years.
Main Results:
- Provider recommendation significantly impacts mammography behavior; 79% of recent screeners received a referral versus 13% of never-screened women.
- Past screening behavior is a strong predictor of future participation, with 75% of recent screeners intending to be screened again compared to 14% of never-screened women.
- Initial and repeat mammography screenings are distinct behaviors influenced by different factors.
Conclusions:
- Provider recommendations and a history of screening are critical for encouraging mammography.
- Effective provider counseling must address beliefs, reinforce regular screening, and consider past behavior for both initial and subsequent mammograms.