Breast cancer screening in Florida. Opportunities for prevention

Records of 705 women age 40 years and over interviewed by the Florida Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System in 1990 were used to identify gaps in mammography utilization in Florida. Data were weighted to the 1990 age and race composition of the population. Of the women 55.8% received a mammogram in the last two years and 33.4% reported they had never had one. The percentage reporting a mammogram in the last two years was 61.9% for those who had a check-up in the last year and 68.7% for those who had a breast examination in the last year. The reason 34% gave for not having a mammogram was "not recommended by doctor." Cost or lack of insurance was the reason for 10.6% of all women and 15.2% of women from households below $15,000 annual income. Data were further stratified by age and race/ethnicity. Significant missed opportunities for mammography are occurring among women in the health-care system. Interventions to increase mammography need to address providers' attitudes and behaviors as well as potential patients.