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Older women's participation in breast screening
B K Rimer1, E Ross, C S Cristinzio
1Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia.
Journal of Gerontology
|November 1, 1992
Summary
Breast cancer screening participation declines with age, yet older women often lack awareness and physician recommendations. An HMO program showed potential to increase mammography use in women over 65.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Public Health
- Geriatric Medicine
Background:
- Breast cancer incidence rises with age, yet screening rates, particularly mammography, decline in older women.
- Barriers to screening in women over 65 include lack of awareness, perceived need, and insufficient physician recommendation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate factors influencing mammography utilization in older women.
- To assess the impact of an HMO-sponsored program on age-related decreases in breast cancer screening.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of national and regional survey data on screening barriers.
- Evaluation of a breast screening program at Fox Chase Cancer Center involving women over 65.
Main Results:
- Older women (over 65) frequently report never hearing of mammograms, not knowing their necessity, or not receiving doctor recommendations.
- An HMO-sponsored program demonstrated a reversal of the typical age-related decline in mammography participation.
Conclusions:
- Physician referrals are crucial for increasing mammography utilization in women over 65.
- Health education for older women and physicians, alongside improved access, is necessary.
- While Medicare coverage addresses payment barriers, other obstacles to screening persist.