Breast cancer screening practices among retirement community women.

BACKGROUND: The purposes of this study were (a) to learn more about the existing breast cancer screening practices of women age 65 and older and (b) to identify factors related to breast cancer screening. METHOD: A random sample of 752 women age 65 and older residing in independent living apartments in eight retirement communities was selected to participate in a survey of breast cancer screening practices and related factors. A total of 616 surveys were complete, yielding a response rate of 82%; of those, 571 of the surveys were administered by telephone, with the remaining 45 administered in person. RESULTS: Thirty-eight percent of the women reported having had a mammogram within the past year, 53% had a clinical breast exam, and 39% reported performing monthly breast self-examination. The percentage of women reporting either annual clinical breast examinations or mammography decreased with increasing age. Results of a logistic regression analysis found that having discussed mammography with a physician, believing in the need for mammography, having no mammography-related concerns, and the combination of personal experience with breast cancer and having had a clinical breast examination in the past year were all independently related to having had a mammogram within the past year (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In order to increase older women's participation in screening, particularly in mammography, educational interventions need to be developed and directed both to older women and to their physicians.

Factors influencing acceptance of mammography: implications for enhancing worksite cancer control.

PURPOSE: The purposes of this article are to review what is known about participation in mammography programs and to propose several elements that warrant consideration in planning mammography screening programs in occupational settings. Breast cancer is the most common female cancer. Regular screening programs including mammography, clinical breast examination, and monthly breast self-examination can reduce breast cancer deaths by as much as 35%. However, mammography is underutilized. This review examines factors affecting acceptance of mammography and possible worksite-based strategies to increase its appropriate use. SEARCH METHODS: We identified the sources cited in this review through a combination of literature searches of computerized data bases, backward searches of reference lists, and contacts with active investigators. The article includes a selected subset of the most recent and relevant references. SUMMARY OF IMPORTANT FINDINGS: A variety of individual factors, environmental influences, health care system factors, and employer factors influence the acceptance of mammography. Workplace mammography programs can be especially important in reducing access barriers. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS: Six program elements which are central to planning successful worksite mammography programs are discussed: location and facilities; health professional involvement; the range of services; education and referral; employer policies, and plans for follow-up and repeat screening.