Breast Cancer Awareness and Screening Barriers Among Women in a Diverse Urban Setting

Breast cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among women. Early detection through mammography is crucial for improving survival. Despite widespread awareness, disparities in screening persist. This cross-sectional survey examined perceptions and barriers to mammography among 117 women aged 40-75 receiving primary care services in an urban, academic medical center in Kansas City, Missouri. Most participants reported awareness of breast cancer risks, recognized the importance of mammography, and had undergone at least one screening. However, 61% reported skipping, delaying, or avoiding mammograms. Commonly cited barriers included lack of physician referral, distance to screening sites, work conflicts, and transportation challenges. Younger women and those with lower household incomes were more likely to forgo screening. Findings underscore that knowledge and provider recommendations alone are insufficient; structural and emotional barriers must also be addressed. Targeted interventions, including patient navigation, mobile screening, and culturally tailored counseling, are needed to improve adherence.