The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #50311

Ivy A. Ahmed, MPH, CHES¹, Michael Richardson, MD², and Tesha Holmes, BA¹. (1) Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, Washington DC Department of Health, 825 N Capitol Street, NE, Third Floor, Washington, DC 20002, 202 442 9134, ivy.ahmed@dc.gov, (2) Office of Primary Care, Prevention, and Planning, DC Department of Health, 825 N. Capitol St, NE, 3rd Floor, Washington, DC 20002

The Mammography Referral Project (MRP) was designed to increase screening mammography referral rates through enhanced doctor-patient communication in health clinics that are providers for the DC Department of Health, Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. As a community-based, multi-level health education and health promotion project, the MRP increased referrals for screening mammography among at-risk women age 40 and older in urban Washington, D.C. The District of Columbia has the highest breast cancer incidence and mortality rates in the Nation. Statistical data reflect that low income, medically underserved, minority women ages 40 years and older, do not have regular screening mammograms secondary to a lack of physician referral in clinical departments other than gynecology. The MRP was developed in response to these factors. Gynecology and internal medicine departments within three health clinics were selected for program implementation. A Breast Health History Card was completed by the patient before her examination and then shared with the physician during the appointment. The Card served as a catalyst to prompt discussion between physician and patient about breast cancer screening, risk factors and overall breast health. Patients were followed to assess compliance with the mammography referral. The project served to increase understanding and awareness of the importance of mammography screening among both at-risk women and health care providers. This further facilitated the establishment of new policies and procedures at participating health clinics regarding comprehensive mammography referral.

Learning Objectives:

• •  Develop effective means to illustrate the importance of clinicians in the mammography referral process.
  •  Identify barriers to breast cancer screening utilization at the client and provider levels in non-profit clinics in an urban setting.
  • Apply direct health education techniques to increase breast health awareness in provider settings.

Keywords: Breast Cancer Screening, Community Health

Related Web page: www.dchealth.dc.gov

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.