Evaluation of Mammogram Parties as an Effective Community Navigation Method

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Disparities
• Cancer Screening

Background:

• Racial disparities in breast cancer mortality exist in the US.
• Limited access to mammography services for women of color contributes to these disparities.
• Mammogram parties are an under-studied intervention to improve screening uptake.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of mammogram parties in increasing mammography uptake.
• To compare mammogram parties with traditional one-on-one navigation for underserved populations.
• To assess the efficiency and client experience of mammogram parties.

Main Methods:

• A study was conducted in community settings in Chicago targeting mammogram-eligible women.
• Participants were navigated via one-on-one assistance or to a mammogram party.
• Outcomes, including mammography completion rates and navigation efficiency, were compared using statistical tests.

Main Results:

• Mammogram parties achieved a comparable mammography completion rate (65.8%) to standard navigation (63.7%).
• Mammogram parties required fewer contacts for successful navigation (10.9 vs. 15.0), indicating greater efficiency.
• The study highlighted the supportive and fellowship aspects of mammogram parties for clients.

Conclusions:

• Mammogram parties are an efficient and effective strategy for increasing mammography completion rates.
• This approach can help reduce disparities in breast cancer screening among underserved women.
• Offering mammogram parties alongside traditional navigation provides scheduling flexibility and improves access to care.