Factors associated with repeat mammography screening

BACKGROUND Even organizations with differing mammography recommendations ag ree that regular repeat screening is required for mortality reduction. Howe ver, most studies have focused on one-time screening rather than repeat adh erence. We compare trends in beliefs and health-related behaviors among wom en screened and adherent to the National Cancer Institute's screening mammo graphy recommendations (on schedule), those screened at least once and nona dherent (off schedule), and those never screened, METHODS Our data are from a baseline telephone interview conducted among 12 87 female members of Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina who were aged either 40 to 44 years or 50 to 54 years. RESULTS The 3 groups differed significantly on beliefs and health-related b ehaviors, with the off-schedule group almost consistently falling bem een t he on-schedule and never screened groups. Off-schedule women were more like ly than on-schedule women, but less likely than those never screened, to no t have a clinical breast examination within 12 months, to be ambivalent abo ut screening mammography, to be confused about screening guidelines, and to not be advised by a physician to get a mammogram in the past 2 years. Off- schedule women perceived their breast cancer risk as lower and were less li kely to be up to date with other cancer screening tests. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that women who are off schedule are in nee d of mammography-promoting interventions, including recommendations from an d discussion with their health care providers, Because they are more positi ve and knowledgeable about mammography than women who have never been scree ned they may benefit from brief interventions from health care providers th at highlight the importance of repeat screening.