Mammogram disparities among Virginia tech employees

Early detection of breast cancer through mammography screenings is the most effective measure individuals can take to minimize treatment and increase survival. Virginia Tech employs 2500 females who are over 40 years old and should be having mammograms. Despite Virginia Tech providing free access to and time off from work for annual mammograms, medical utilization reports reveal that screening rates for females were 16.9% in 2010 and 20.9% in 2011. Virginia Tech screening rates for the past two years are significantly lower than national average of 67.1%. This study investigates why there is such low utilization in rural Southwest Virginia, also part of Appalachia, and to identify cultural, social class, and employee status disparities between population groups. A survey was administered (N = 350) in 2012 to employees at Virginia Tech and asked participants about mammography utilization, breast cancer risks, and reasons for not getting mammograms. Along with a survey, this study combined medical claims data to provide a complete picture of what participants report and what utilization reveals. Preliminary results reveal that some female employees have deficiencies in their understanding of breast cancer, treatment, and morbidity, but there also are cultural and regional barriers that make females in rural Southwest Virginia (Appalachia) less likely to engage proactively in screenings for breast cancer even when services are provided through an employer. The preliminary results are providing the basis for developing best practices to educate a targeted population of females in a culturally and linguistic appropriate way through employee wellness programs.