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Breast Cancer Screening among Employed American Women
1National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Surveillance Branch, 4676 Columbia Parkway Mailstop R-21, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA.
Summary
Breast cancer screening rates in 1990 varied by occupation and education. White-collar workers and those with some college exceeded Healthy People 2000 objectives, unlike blue-collar workers or those with lower education levels.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Breast cancer screening is crucial for early detection and improved outcomes.
- The Healthy People 2000 initiative set targets for mammography and clinical breast examinations for women aged 50 and older.
- Understanding screening disparities among employed women is essential for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the 1990 baseline prevalence of breast cancer screening among employed U.S. women aged 50-70 years.
- To compare screening proportions by occupational category and demographic characteristics against Healthy People 2000 objectives.
- To identify subgroups of working women that may benefit from tailored breast cancer screening programs.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the 1990 National Health Interview Survey Health Promotion and Disease Prevention supplement.
- Calculated proportions of women aged 50-70 who underwent mammography and clinical breast examination.
- Analyzed screening rates across different occupational categories and educational attainment levels.
Main Results:
- The Healthy People 2000 objective of 60% screening was met by white-collar workers (61.8%) and those with some college education (64.1%).
- Screening rates fell below the objective for blue-collar/service workers (40.8%), workers with a high school diploma (54.7%), and those with less than a high school diploma (38.5%).
- Significant disparities in breast cancer screening prevalence were observed based on occupation and education.
Conclusions:
- Breast cancer screening prevalence in 1990 showed notable disparities among employed U.S. women based on occupational and educational status.
- Targeted public and private sector screening programs are needed to address identified gaps, particularly for blue-collar/service workers and those with lower educational attainment.
- Findings highlight the importance of considering socioeconomic and occupational factors in designing effective cancer screening initiatives.