TIMELINESS OF FOLLOW-UP AFTER ABNORMAL SCREENING MAMMOGRAPHY

Little information has been published concerning the timeliness of fol low-up after abnormal mammography. This article presents data on follo w-up after abnormal mammography, including differences in follow-up by age, race, mammographic interpretation, and type of tracking system. From unpublished data, the rate of timely follow-up 8 to 12 weeks afte r index abnormal mammography ranges from 69% to 99%. Women aged 65 and older, those of lower socioeconomic status, and those who are instruc ted to have repeat evaluations in four to six months have the highest proportion of untimely follow-up. With use of computer-based tracking systems, timely follow-up ranges from 89% to 99%. Computer-based track ing systems should be encouraged to promote timely follow-up of abnorm al mammography. Further research is needed to better delineate those a t risk for untimely follow-up after abnormal mammography, causes of un timely follow-up, the impact of untimely follow-up on breast cancer st age and mortality, and interventions that maximize timely follow-up.