The use of mammography by survivors of breast cancer

Survivors of breast cancer are at high risk for development of a second breast cancer and are thus a group for whom annual mammography screening is recommended. However, survivors' use of mammography rarely has been examined.

We surveyed a representative population sample of survivors who lived in rural communities about their mammography use after cancer.

Of these women, 30% had not received a mammogram in the preceding year. Predictors of mammography use included physician recommendation and whether the original cancer had been detected by mammography.

Physicians should recommend mammography to survivors of breast cancer to ensure regular use.