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Breast cancer screening. Changing physician practices and specialty variation
1Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, State University of New York, Stony Brook 11794-8036.
New York State Journal of Medicine
|June 1, 1990
Summary
Physician recommendation is key for breast cancer screening. Many women aged 50+ are not getting mammograms, highlighting a need for better physician education on screening guidelines and patient outreach.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Public Health
- Preventive Medicine
Background:
- Breast cancer screening practices are crucial for early detection in women aged 50 and older.
- Understanding current screening behaviors among physicians and patients is essential before implementing interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess baseline breast cancer screening practices among primary care physicians and women on Long Island.
- To identify barriers to mammography use in women aged 50 and older prior to educational interventions.
Main Methods:
- Postal surveys were administered to 323 physicians and 1,440 women on Long Island.
- Data collected included physician screening orders and patient mammography history and reasons for non-adherence.
Main Results:
- Only 48% of physicians reported ordering regular screening mammograms for eligible patients; obstetrician/gynecologists reported higher rates than family practitioners or internists.
- Just 24% of women aged 50+ reported having a mammogram in the past year.
- Lack of physician recommendation was the primary reason cited by women for not undergoing mammography.
Conclusions:
- Continuing medical education is needed for physicians regarding breast cancer screening guidelines, emphasizing combined physical examination and mammography.
- Patient education is necessary to address concerns and improve adherence to recommended screening practices.
- Physician recommendation significantly influences patient screening behavior, indicating a critical point for intervention.