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The experience of screening mammography.
1Family Practice Residency Program, Memorial Hospital of South Bend, Indiana.
The Journal of Family Practice
|November 1, 1989
Summary
Most women undergo screening mammography via physician referral, experience less pain than expected, and seek reassurance. Family physicians should recognize patient acceptance of this vital cancer screening procedure.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiology
- Family Medicine
Background:
- Screening mammography is a critical tool for early breast cancer detection.
- Understanding patient experiences and motivations is essential for effective healthcare delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey women post-screening mammography to understand their experiences.
- To identify key findings relevant to family physicians regarding patient perceptions and motivations.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to nearly 1000 women immediately after their screening mammography examination.
- Data collected included demographics, examination circumstances, and patient responses.
Main Results:
- The majority of women were referred by their physicians, not self-initiated.
- Most patients reported less pain than anticipated during the mammography procedure.
- The primary motivation cited was seeking reassurance about their health status.
Conclusions:
- Screening mammography is generally well-accepted by patients.
- Family physicians should be aware of physician referral as a primary driver and the role of reassurance-seeking in patient motivation.
- These insights can inform routine family physician practice regarding mammography screening.