Factors that influence mammography use among older American Indian and Alaska Native women

American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) women have relatively high breast cancer mortality rates despite the availability of free or low-cost screening.

This qualitative study explored issues that influence the participation of older AIAN women in mammography screening through tribally directed National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Programs (NBCCEDPs).

We interviewed staff (n = 12) representing five tribal NBCCEDPs and conducted four focus groups with AIAN women ages 50 to 80 years (n = 33).

Our analysis identified four main areas of factors that predispose, enable, or reinforce decisions around mammography: financial issues and personal investments, program characteristics including direct services and education, access issues such as transportation, and comfort zone topics that include cultural or community-wide norms regarding cancer prevention.

This study has implications for nurse education and training on delivering effective mammography services and preventive cancer outreach and education programs in AIAN communities.