Use of breast cancer screening by older Hispanic women

The purpose of this exploratory study was to provide information on older Hispanic women's access to and use of breast cancer screening services. Interviews were conducted with 150 Hispanic women, 47 to 93 years of age, in a southwestern city. The results indicated that differences in use and compliance with recommended screening guidelines were due primarily to differences in access to the health care system and attitudes about preventive care. Targeted strategies for these women have to be developed and implemented to ensure that they receive the necessary information to avail themselves of breast cancer screening procedures.