Mammography use in the Southern Community Cohort Study (United States)

Purpose: This paper examines the rates of recent mammography use among African American and White women, the influence of demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, health insurance coverage, and breast cancer risk factors on recent mammography use and reasons for not having a mammogram. Methods: Cross-sectional data from the Southern Community Cohort Study were used to analyze mammography use among African American and White women. Results: Among 27,123 mostly low-income women age 42-79 in the Southern Community Cohort Study, the rate of recent (within the past 2 years) mammography use was 73% among African Americans and 68% among Whites. Health insurance coverage, age, household income, education, family history of breast cancer, hormone replacement therapy use, and post-menopausal status were positively associated with recent mammography, whereas consumption of 2 or more alcoholic drinks/day was negatively associated. These associations were observed in both African American and White women who never had received a mammogram (non-users) although some variation existed. Differential effects of these factors on recent mammography were also examined in non-users and past users. Doctor has not recommended this test and cost were the two most commonly self-reported reasons for non-use. Conclusions: Characteristics of non-users and past users identified may provide valuable information for maintaining the progress made and for further improving adherence to the screening guidelines.