Barriers to Surveillance Mammography Adherence in Korean Breast Cancer Survivors

To identify barriers to surveillance mammography adherence in Korean breast cancer survivors (BCSs), which is crucial for early detection of recurrence and new cancers.

195 BCSs were recruited from a breast cancer clinic and its support groups at a South Korean hospital.

This descriptive study used a cross-sectional design. Participants completed a self-administered multi-instrument survey based on a comprehensive framework for adherence, including individual characteristics, symptoms, quality of life, cognitive appraisal, social support, and healthcare system factors.

Having had a mammogram within the past year was considered adherent (n = 177), and no mammography within the past year was considered nonadherent (n = 18). Logistic regression revealed that longer time since diagnosis (p < 0.001), greater depression (p = 0.024), and higher health services utilization (p < 0.001) were predictors of lower mammography adherence (chi square = 76.618, p < 0.001, R2 = 58%).

This is the first study to identify depression as a barrier to surveillance mammography in BCSs, suggesting that depression screening and treatment may be important for increasing adherence.