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Breast Cancer Disparity in Chicago: Examining factors related to timely screening and diagnostic mammography follow-up in medically underserved areas
Surviving breast cancer is strongly associated with the stage of the disease and tumor size when it is first diagnosed. Later breast cancer stage at detection is one attributing factor to the racial survival disparity in African American women.
While studies have identified some potential factors that may be related to timely screening and follow-up of abnormal test results, previous cancer experiences and physician communication have not been fully explored.
methods:We analyzed data from 743 women participating in a randomized, controlled study of the effectiveness of patient navigation in three distinct medically underserved areas in Chicago.
results: For women with an incomplete screening (Birad 0) or an abnormal screening (Birad 4/5), there was not a relationship between timely diagnostic follow-up (60 days) and poverty, women’s previous experiences with cancer, or physician communication. However, for women with a routine screening mammogram outcome (Birad 3), there was a significant relationship between timely screening follow-up and individual and neighborhood poverty and physicians talking with women about mammography.
conclusion: We conclude that women with abnormal mammogram results are likely to have timely diagnostic follow-up. However, the results indicated that for women receiving routine screening, their timely follow-up was related to poverty and physician communication.
Learning Areas:
Public health or related researchLearning Objectives:
Describe breast cancer health disparities in Chicago
Identify factors related to timely screening and diagnostic mammography follow-up in women living in medically underserved areas
Keyword(s): Cancer Prevention and Screening, Health Disparities/Inequities
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am the Project Director for the Center of Excellence in Eliminating Disparities, a federally funded P60 Center grant, at the Institute of Health Research and Policy UIC. We conduct health disparities cancer research. In addition, I am a PhD student at the Jane Addams College of Social Work and a student at the School of Public Health. My dissertation research is examining breast cancer health disparities.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.