Low-income older women show reduced rates of mammography, yet older women are more likely to develop and die from breast cancer. The purpose of this study was to determine what factors influence an older woman's transition to Medicare-funded mammography from an income-eligible screening program in South Carolina for older women. A demographically similar group of low-income older women were followed for two years. Baseline data were collected via a 32-item telephone questionnaire from 512 women; followup data were collected via a 25-item telephone questionnaire from 446 of the 512 women (87%) assessing knowledge, beliefs, and self-efficacy related to mammography and awareness of Medicare-funded mammography. The sample was 63% African American, 36% White, and <1% Other. The data were used to develop models predicting behavior (i.e. Medicare-funded mammography). Self-reported mammography rates in the past 12 months were high with 73% of the women having had a mammogram in year 2 (87% intended to have a mammogram in the first year). Knowledge that Medicare pays for mammograms was significantly associated with intention and actually having a Medicare-funded mammogram. No demographic characteristics were shown to be significant predictors of intention or behavior. Results indicate a need for additional examination of the role of provider recommendations on a low-income, older woman's utilization of Medicare-funded mammography and the role of screening programs and Medicare to provide information to older women about funded mammography. Participation in a breast cancer screening program may translate to increased rates of Medicare-funded mammography and ultimately decrease breast cancer mortality.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: (1) identify potential predictors of future, Medicare-funded mammography in older women who participated in an income-eligible screening program; (2) recognize markers of knowledge and beliefs that increase likelihood of seeking Medicare-funded mammography; and (3) discuss benefits of participation in an income-eligible screening program and its implications for future, regular, Medicare-funded mammography.
Keywords: Mammography Screening, Elderly
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: South Carolina Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program (Best Chance Network)
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.