Cost as a barrier to screening mammography among underserved women

Patients' perceptions of targeted breast ultrasound and digital breast tomosynthesis in the diagnostic setting: A mixed methods study

BACKGROUND

Although DBT is the standard initial imaging modality for women with focal breast symptoms, the importance of ultrasound has grown rapidly in the past decades. Therefore, the Breast UltraSound Trial (BUST) focused on assessing the diagnostic value of ultrasound and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) for the evaluation of breast symptoms by reversing the order of breast imaging; first performing ultrasound followed by DBT. This side-study of the BUST evaluates patients' perceptions of ultrasound and DBT in a reversed setting.

METHODS

After imaging, 1181/1276 BUST participants completed a survey consisting of open and closed questions regarding both exams (mean age 47.2, ±11.74). Additionally, a different subset of BUST participants (n = 29) participated in six focus group interviews 18-24 months after imaging to analyze their imaging experiences in depth.

RESULTS

A total of 55.3% of women reported reluctance to undergoing DBT, primarily due of pain, while the vast majority also find bilateral DBT reassuring (87.3%). Thematic analysis identified themes related to 1) imaging reluctance (pain/burden, result, and breast harm) and 2) ultrasound and DBT perceptions. Regarding the latter, the theme comfort underscores DBT as burdensome and painful, while ultrasound is largely perceived as non-burdensome. Ultrasound is also particularly valued for its interactive nature, as highlighted in the theme interaction. Perceived effectiveness reflects women's interest in bilateral breast evaluation with DBT and the visibility of lesions, while they express more uncertainty about the reliability of ultrasound. Emotional impact portrays DBT as reassuring for many women, whereas opinions on the reassurance provided by ultrasound are more diverse. Additional themes include costs, protocols and privacy.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound is highly tolerated, and particularly valued is the interaction with the radiologist. Nearly half of women express reluctance towards DBT; nevertheless, a large portion report feeling more confident after undergoing bilateral DBT, reassuring them of the absence of abnormalities. Understanding patients' perceptions of breast imaging examinations is of great value when optimizing diagnostic pathways.

Social Determinants of Health Framework to Identify and Reduce Barriers to Imaging in Marginalized Communities

Social determinants of health (SDOH) are conditions influencing individuals' health based on their environment of birth, living, working, and aging. Addressing SDOH is crucial for promoting health equity and reducing health outcome disparities. For conditions such as stroke and cancer screening where imaging is central to diagnosis and management, access to high-quality medical imaging is necessary. This article applies a previously described structural framework characterizing the impact of SDOH on patients who require imaging for their clinical indications. SDOH factors can be broadly categorized into five sectors: economic stability, education access and quality, neighborhood and built environment, social and community context, and health care access and quality. As patients navigate the health care system, they experience barriers at each step, which are significantly influenced by SDOH factors. Marginalized communities are prone to disparities due to the inability to complete the required diagnostic or screening imaging work-up. This article highlights SDOH that disproportionately affect marginalized communities, using stroke and cancer as examples of disease processes where imaging is needed for care. Potential strategies to mitigate these disparities include dedicating resources for clinical care coordinators, transportation, language assistance, and financial hardship subsidies. Last, various national and international health initiatives are tackling SDOH and fostering health equity.

Barriers to Screening At-risk Populations in Canada

Cancer screening is invaluable for early detection of disease, including for breast and lung cancer. Through early detection, cancer treatment can be commenced prior to the development of advanced stage disease, significantly reducing morbidity and mortality. However, eligible patients may face barriers when accessing screening services, and some groups may be more disproportionately affected than others. This review aims to describe some of the most prominent barriers that at-risk populations may face when accessing image-based cancer screening services in Canada. Characterizing these barriers would be helpful in determining the best strategies to increase uptake to these screening services and, consequently, improve health equity.

Increasing breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening among rural women: Baseline characteristics of a randomized control trial

BACKGROUND

Rural women suffer disproportionately from breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer mortality compared to those in urban areas. Screening behaviors for these three cancers share many similar beliefs and barriers. Unfortunately, published interventions have not attempted to simultaneously bring women up to date with screening for three cancers (breast, cervical, and colorectal) even though multiple behavior change interventions are effective. The aim of this randomized controlled study was to compare the effectiveness of a mailed interactive and tailored DVD vs. DVD plus telephonic patient navigation (DVD + PN) vs. Usual Care (UC) to increase the percentage of rural women (aged 50-74) up to date for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening.

METHODS

Nine hundred eighty-three participants needing one, two, or three cancer screening tests were consented and randomized to one of three groups. Prior to randomization, women were assessed for baseline characteristics including sociodemographics, health status, and cancer screening test beliefs. Screening status was assessed by medical record review.

RESULTS

At baseline, the average age of participants was 58.6 years. Nineteen percent of the sample was not up to date with screenings for all three cancers. Colorectal cancer had the highest percentage of women (69%) who were not up to date with screening followed by cervical (57%) and then breast cancer (41%). Sixty percent of women reported receiving a reminder for mammography; 30%, for cervical cancer screening; 15% for colonoscopy; and 6% for FOBT/FIT.

DISCUSSION

Increasing adherence to colorectal cancer screening may be the most urgent need among all screening tests. This clinical trial is registered at clinicaltrials.gov with identifier NCT02795104.

Women's health beliefs and uptake of breast cancer screening in Malaysia

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated women's health beliefs, the use of breast cancer (BC) screening services, and the factors that potentially influence uptake of screening.

METHODS

Face-to-face interviews were conducted with a randomly selected community sample of 992 women (>40 years old) in Selangor State, Malaysia.

RESULTS

Approximately 35% of women received a clinical breast examination (CBE) and 27% had a mammogram within the last 1 to 2 years. The regression analyses indicated that Chinese ethnicity has higher perceived susceptibility to BC compared to Malay ethnicity (mean 7.74, SD: 2.75; 95% CI 0.09, 1.03) whilst a lower perceived susceptibility was observed in women aged ≥70 years (mean 6.67, SD: 3.01; 95% CI -1.66, -0.24) compared to women aged 40-49 years. Indian Malaysian women (mean 16.87, SD: 2.59; 95% CI 0.12, 1.01) and women who had received a CBE (mean 16.10, SD:2.35; 95% CI 0.18, 0.89) were more likely to have higher perceived benefits scoring. Indian ethnicity, secondary education and tertiary education, top 20% income group, past history of CBE and mammogram uptake were significantly associated with lower barriers scoring.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a need to target BC screening uptake improvement programmes towards communities in which women experience disadvantages related to income, education, employment, and, in particular, to tailor programmes to take into consideration differences between ethnic groups regarding their beliefs about cancer screening.

Impact of Health Care-Associated Cost Concerns on Mammography Utilization: Cross-Sectional Survey Results From the National Health Interview Survey

PURPOSE

Health care-related cost concerns and financial toxicity are increasingly recognized barriers along the breast cancer care continuum. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between patient-reported cost concerns and screening mammography utilization.

METHODS

Survey participants aged 40 to 74 years from the 2018 National Health Interview Survey without personal history of breast cancer were included (response rate: 64%). Respondents were queried if they had experienced specific access-related health care barriers. Multiple variable logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between barriers to care and patient-reported screening mammography utilization.

RESULTS

Of survey respondents, 7,511 women were included. Of this group, 68.9% reported receiving a screening mammogram within the last 2 years and 52.2% reported receiving a screening mammogram within the last year. Of all survey respondents, 48.4% reported worry paying medical bills. Patients who reported worry about paying medical bills (odds ratio [OR] 0.86; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.76-0.97; P = .01), challenges affording dental care (OR 0.65; 95% CI: 0.54-0.77; P < .01), and challenges affording eyeglasses (OR 0.67; 95% CI: 0.54-0.84; P < .01) were less likely to report screening mammography use than their respective counterparts. Patients who skipped medication doses (OR 0.69; 95% CI: 0.52-0.91; P < .01), took less medication, (OR 0.63; 95% CI: 0.48-0.82; P < .01), and delayed filling prescriptions (OR 0.71; 95% CI: 0.56-0.90; P < .01) to save money were also less likely to report receiving mammography screening.

CONCLUSION

Patient-reported cost-related barriers are associated with decreased utilization of routine mammography.

Effect of Out-of-Pocket Costs on Subsequent Mammography Screening

OBJECTIVE

Although the Affordable Care Act eliminated cost sharing for screening mammography, a concern is that grandfathered plans, diagnostic mammograms, and follow-up testing may still lead to out-of-pocket (OOP) spending. Our study examines how OOP spending among women at their baseline screening mammogram may impact the decision to receive subsequent screening.

METHODS

The study included commercially insured women aged 40 to 41 years with a screening mammogram between 2011 and 2014. We estimated multivariate linear probability models of the effect of OOP spending at the baseline mammogram on subsequent screening 12 to 36 months later.

RESULTS

Having any OOP payments for the baseline screening mammogram significantly reduced the probability of screening in the subsequent 12 to 24 months by 3.0 percentage points (pp) (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1-4.8 pp decrease). For every $100 increase in the OOP expenses for the baseline mammogram, the likelihood of subsequent screening within 12 to 24 months decreased by 1.9 pp (95% CI: 0.8-3.1 pp decrease). Similarly, any OOP spending for follow-up tests resulting from the baseline screening led to a 2.7 pp lower probability of screening 12 to 24 months later (95% CI: 0.9-4.1 pp decrease). Higher OOP expenses were associated with significantly lower screening 24 to 36 months later (coefficient = -0.014, 95% CI: -0.025 to -0.003).

DISCUSSION

Although cost sharing has been eliminated for screening mammograms, OOP costs may still arise, particularly for diagnostic and follow-up testing services, both of which may reduce rates of subsequent screening. For preventive services, reducing or eliminating cost sharing through policy and legislation may be important to ensuring continued adherence to screening guidelines.

Project ScanVan: Mobile mammography services to decrease socioeconomic barriers and racial disparities among medically underserved women in NYC

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether, with access to free screening services, uninsured minority women in NYC are able to successfully manage existing barriers to breast cancer screening.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study, with permission to use de-identified data received from Project Renewal's ScanVan in 2019. Project Renewal ScanVan provides clinical breast exams, mammograms, and health education to low-income women. The screening mammograms were conducted in the ScanVan and read by a board-certified radiologist. The electronic medical records were reviewed with respect to the patients' BI-RADS category, insurance status, race, and age. Descriptive statistics were performed and cancer detection rate, recall rate, and positive predictive values (PPV1, PPV2, PPV3) were calculated.

RESULTS

In 2019, 66% (2499 of 3745) of patients who used the ScanVan were Hispanic & African American. 43% (1627 of 3745) of the women were uninsured, 15% (579 of 3745) of the women had Medicare, and 18% (676 of 3745) classified as other. 17 out of 3745 patients screened received a new diagnosis of breast cancer, corresponding to a cancer detection rate of 4.5/1000 screened. 258 were recalled, corresponding with a recall rate of 7%. The PPV1 was 6.5% (17/258); PPV2 was 29.8% (17/57); and PPV3 was 34% (17/50).

CONCLUSION

Barriers to breast cancer screening include lack of medical insurance, limited access to care, and the absence of a primary care physician. The mobile mammography screening van successfully overcame such barriers, providing uninsured women from racial minority groups with vital breast cancer screening and follow up care.

Reduced Mammography Screening for Breast Cancer among Women with Visual Impairment

PURPOSE

Timely mammography to screen for breast cancer in accordance with the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations can reduce morbidity and mortality substantially. This study assessed whether the odds of undergoing screening mammography are similar for women with and without visual impairment (VI).

DESIGN

Retrospective, longitudinal cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

Women aged 65 to 72 years enrolled in fee-for-service Medicare from January 1, 2008, through December 31, 2015.

METHODS

Patients with no vision loss (NVL), partial vision loss (PVL), and severe vision loss (SVL) were matched 1:1:1 based on age, race, time in Medicare, urbanicity of residence, and overall health. Women with pre-existing breast cancer were excluded. Multivariable conditional logistic regression modeling compared the odds of undergoing screening mammography within a 2-year follow-up period among the 3 groups.

MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES

Proportion of participants undergoing mammography and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of undergoing mammography within 2 years of follow-up.

RESULTS

A total of 1044 patients were matched (348 in each group). The mean ± standard deviation age at the index date was 69.0 ± 1.5 years for all 3 groups. The proportion of women undergoing 1 mammography screening or more within the 2-year follow-up was 69.0% (n = 240), 56.9% (n = 198), and 56.0% (n = 195) for the NVL, PVL, and SVL groups, respectively (P = 0.0005). The mean ± standard deviation number of mammography screenings undergone per patient during the 5-year period (3-year look-back plus 2-year follow-up) was 3.1 ± 2.0, 2.5 ± 2.0, and 2.3 ± 2.1 for the NVL, PVL, and SVL groups, respectively (P < 0.0001). Women with SVL had 42% decreased odds (OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.37-0.90; P = 0.01), and those with PVL had 44% decreased odds (OR, 0.56; CI, 0.36-0.87; P = 0.009) of undergoing mammography during follow-up compared with those with NVL.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with VI were significantly less likely to undergo mammography screening for breast cancer than women without VI. Clinicians should look for ways to help ensure that patients with VI undergo mammography and other preventive screenings as recommended by the USPSTF.

Paths to health equity: Local area variation in progress toward eliminating breast cancer mortality disparities, 1990-2009

BACKGROUND

US breast cancer deaths have been declining since 1989, but African American women are still more likely than white women to die of breast cancer. Black/white disparities in breast cancer mortality rate ratios have actually been increasing.

METHODS

Across 762 US counties with enough deaths to generate reliable rates, county-level, age-adjusted breast cancer mortality rates were examined for women who were 35 to 74 years old during the period of 1989-2010. Twenty-two years of mortality data generated twenty 3-year rolling average data points, each centered on a specific year from 1990 to 2009. Mixed linear models were used to group each county into 1 of 4 mutually exclusive trend patterns. The most recent 3-year average black breast cancer mortality rate for each county was also categorized as being worse or not worse than the breast cancer mortality rate for the total US population.

RESULTS

More than half of the counties (54%) showed persistent, unchanging disparities. Roughly 1 in 4 (24%) had a divergent pattern of worsening black/white disparities. However, 10.5% of the counties sustained racial equality over the 20-year period, and 11.7% of the counties actually showed a converging pattern from high disparities to greater equality. Twenty-three counties had 2008-2010 black mortality rates better than the US average mortality rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Disparities are not inevitable. Four US counties have sustained both optimal and equitable black outcomes as measured by both absolute (better than the US average) and relative benchmarks (equality in the local black/white rate ratio) for decades, and 6 counties have shown a path from disparities to health equity.

Sustaining mammography screening among the medically underserved: a follow-up evaluation

BACKGROUND

Our previous three-arm comparative effectiveness intervention in community clinic patients who were not up-to-date with screening resulted in mammography rates over 50% in all arms.

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the three interventions on improving biennial screening rates among eligible patients.

METHODS

A three-arm quasi-experimental evaluation was conducted in eight community clinics from 2008 to 2011. Screening efforts included (1) enhanced care: Participants received an in-person recommendation from a research assistant (RA) in year 1, and clinics followed usual clinic protocol for scheduling screening mammograms; (2) education intervention: Participants received education and in-person recommendation from an RA in year 1, and clinics followed usual clinic protocol for scheduling mammograms; or (3) nurse support: A nurse manager provided in-person education and recommendation, scheduled mammograms, and followed up with phone support. In all arms, mammography was offered at no cost to uninsured patients.

RESULTS

Of 624 eligible women, biennial mammography within 24-30 months of their previous test was performed for 11.0% of women in the enhanced-care arm, 7.1% in the education- intervention arm, and 48.0% in the nurse-support arm (p<0.0001). The incremental cost was $1,232 per additional woman undergoing screening with nurse support vs. enhanced care and $1,092 with nurse support vs. education.

CONCLUSIONS

Biennial mammography screening rates were improved by providing nurse support but not with enhanced care or education. However, this approach was not cost-effective.

The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program in the era of health reform: a vision forward

For the last 22 years, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) has provided high quality breast and cervical cancer screening to women who do not have health insurance or who have inadequate insurance. As the health care landscape changes, it is time for CDC to address new identified needs and opportunities to increase cancer screening and to further explore new or expanded roles for the program looking to the future. The NBCCEDP is well positioned to build upon its experience, established clinical and community partnerships, and success in serving disadvantaged and diverse populations to address important barriers to cancer screening that will persist as health reform is implemented. Additionally, the program can adapt its extensive experience with establishing and managing an organized system of delivering cancer screening and apply it to promote a more organized approach to screening through health care systems on a population level. Emphasis is placed on the implementation of evidenced-based interventions proven effective in increasing cancer screening rates, promising practices and other organizational policy and health systems interventions.

Improving mammography screening among the medically underserved

BACKGROUND

We evaluated the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of alternative interventions designed to promote mammography in safety-net settings.

METHODS

A three-arm, quasi-experimental evaluation was conducted among eight federally qualified health clinics in predominately rural Louisiana. Mammography screening efforts included: 1) enhanced care, 2) health literacy-informed education of patients, and 3) education plus nurse support. Outcomes included mammography screening completion within 6 months and incremental cost-effectiveness.

RESULTS

Overall, 1,181 female patients ages 40 and over who were eligible for routine mammography were recruited. Baseline screening rates were < 10%. Post intervention screening rates were 55.7% with enhanced care, 51.8% with health literacy-informed education and 65.8% with education and nurse support. After adjusting for race, marital status, self-efficacy and literacy, patients receiving health-literacy informed education were not more likely to complete mammographic screening than those receiving enhanced care; those additionally receiving nurse support were 1.37-fold more likely to complete mammographic screening than those receiving the brief education (95% Confidence Interval 1.08-1.74, p = 0.01). The incremental cost per additional women screened was $2,457 for literacy-informed education with nurse support over literacy-informed education alone.

CONCLUSIONS

Mammography rates were increased substantially over existing baseline rates in all three arms with the educational initiative, with nurse support and follow-up being the most effective option. However, it is not likely to be cost-effective or affordable in resource-limited clinics.

Is out-of-pocket cost a barrier to receiving repeat tests for chlamydia and gonorrhoea?

We aimed to examine whether out-of-pocket (OOP) costs associated with chlamydia (CT) and gonorrhoea (GC) screening tests is a barrier to receiving CT/GC re-screening and follow-up annual screening. A major health insurance claims database 2006-2010 was used for analysis. The date of first CT/GC diagnosis was used as the index date, and OOP costs at index date for screening tests were retrieved. A re-screening test and an annual screening were defined as tests that occurred within 90-180 days and 181-395 days of the index date, respectively. Re-screening rates were 11.7% and 10.9% and annual screening rates were 24.7% and 23.7% for CT and GC cases, respectively. Compared with the CT patients without OOP expenses, those with OOP expenses of $30 or higher had significantly reduced likelihood of receiving re-screening and annual screening. Similar results were found for GC patients. We concluded that OOP costs serve as a significant barrier to re-screening and annual screening.

Empirical evidence of the continuing improvement in cost efficiency of an endoscopic surveillance programme for gastric cancer in Singapore from 2004 to 2010

Background

Endoscopic surveillance has been proven effective in prolonging the survival of gastric cancer (GC) patients. However, there is limited evidence on the cost efficiency of delivering this intervention, especially on a national level in spite of cost efficiency being a major determinant of the actual cost-effectiveness of a cancer prevention programme. The Singapore Gastric Cancer Epidemiology Clinical and Genetic Programme (GCEP) is a demonstration project offering scheduled endoscopy to the Chinese population aged 50 years or older in Singapore. By assessing the cost efficiency of the GCEP, this study aimed to provide empirical evidence on the cost structure and mechanisms underlying cost generation in conducting GC surveillance, thus informing resource allocation and programme budgeting for the Singapore government.

Methods

From a societal perspective, we reported on the direct cost (resource consumption) of conducting endoscopic surveillance through the GCEP network. We retrospectively collected individual-level data of 216 subjects recruited at the National University Hospital, Singapore from 01/04/2004 to 31/10/2010. The Overall Cost, Clinical Cost, GCEP Cost and Personal Cost incurred in serving one subject was computed and discounted as 2004 US dollar (US$) per capita for every year. The Generalized Estimation Equation (GEE) was used to model the data.

Results

All cost indices continuously declined over the 6.5-year costing period. For the total sample, Overall Cost, Clinical Cost, GCEP Cost and Personal Cost declined by 42.3%, 54.1%, 30% and 25.7% respectively. This downward trend existed for age and gender subgroups and the high risk group only with cost reductions varying between 3.5% and 58.4%. The GEE models confirmed statistical significance of the downward trend and of its association with risk profile, where the moderate risk group had cost indices at most 77% of the high risk group.

Conclusions

Our study offered empirical evidence of improved cost efficiency of a surveillance programme for GC in the early phase of programme implementation. Mechanisms such as economies of scale and self-learning were found to be involved in the cost reduction. Our findings highlighted the importance of assessing the cost efficiency and offered valuable insights for future programme budgeting and policy making.

Barriers to screening mammography

Breast cancer (BRCA) is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the USA, and mammography is an effective means for the early detection of BRCA. Identifying the barriers to screening mammography can inform research, policy and practice aiming to increase mammography adherence. A literature review was conducted to determine common barriers to screening mammography adherence. PsycINFO and PubMed databases were searched to identify studies published between 2000 and 2012 that examined barriers associated with reduced mammography adherence. Three thematic groups of barriers, based on social ecology, were identified from the literature: healthcare system-level, social and individual-level barriers. Researchers must consider screening behaviour in context and, therefore, should simultaneously consider each level of barriers when attempting to understand screening behaviour and create interventions to increase mammography adherence.

Factors influencing adherence to mammography screening guidelines in Appalachian women participating in a mobile mammography program

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the characteristics (demographic, access to care, health-related behavioral, self and family medical history, psychosocial) of women age 40 years and above who participated in a mobile mammography screening program conducted throughout West Virginia (WV) to determine the factors influencing their self-reported adherence to mammography screening guidelines. Data were analyzed using the Andersen Behavioral Model of Healthcare Utilization framework to determine the factors associated with adherence to mammography screening guidelines in these women. Of the 686 women included in the analysis, 46.2% reported having had a mammogram in the past 2 years. Bivariate analyses showed predisposing factors such as older age and unemployed status, visit to a obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN) in the past year (an enabling factor) and need-related factors such as having a family history of breast cancer (BC), having had breast problems in the past, having had breast biopsy in the past, having had a Pap test in past 2 years, and having had all the screenings for cholesterol, blood glucose, bone mineral density and high blood pressure in past 2 years to be significant predictors of self-reported adherence to mammography guidelines. In the final model, being above 50 years (OR=2.132), being morbidly obese (OR=2.358), having BC-related events and low knowledge about mammography were significant predictors of self-reported adherence. Breast cancer related events seem to be associated with mammography screening adherence in this rural Appalachian population. Increasing adherence to mammography screening may require targeted, community-based educational interventions that precede and complement visits by the mobile mammography unit.

Differences in barriers to mammography between rural and urban women

BACKGROUND

Few studies have examined differences between rural and urban women in mammography barriers, knowledge, and experiences. Exploring differences can help inform tailored interventions.

METHODS

Women, aged ≥40, who had not been screened in the past 2 years were recruited from eight federally qualified health centers across Louisiana. They were given a structured interview assessing mammography knowledge, beliefs, barriers, experiences, and literacy.

RESULTS

Of the 1189 patients who participated, 65.0% were African American, 61.6% were rural, and 44.0% had low literacy. Contrary to guidelines, most believed mammography should be done annually (74.3%) before age 40 (70.5%). Compared to urban women, rural participants were more likely to believe mammography will find small breast lumps early (34.4% vs. 6.5%, p<0.0001) and strongly disagree that mammography is embarrassing (14.6% vs. 8.4%, p=0.0002) or that they are afraid of finding something wrong (21.2% vs.12.3%, p=0.007). Rural women were more likely to report a physician recommendation for mammography (84.3% vs. 76.5%, p=0.006), but they were less likely to have received education (57.2% vs. 63.6%, p=0.06) or to have ever had a mammogram (74.8% vs. 78.1%, p=0.007). In multivariate analyses controlling for race, literacy, and age, all rural/urban differences remained significant, except for receipt of a mammogram.

CONCLUSIONS

Most participants were unclear about when they should begin mammography. Rural participants reported stronger positive beliefs, higher self-efficacy, fewer barriers, and having a physician recommendation for mammography but were less likely to receive education or screening.

Clustering very low-income, insured women's mammography screening barriers into potentially functional subgroups

BACKGROUND

Mammography screening is essential for early detection of breast cancer and increased survival rates. Women, particularly those of low socioeconomic status, face barriers that impede their screening adherence. Although many studies have sought to identify these barriers, more research is needed on to address these obstacles in practice. The objective of this study is to divide mammography screening barriers into functional clusters using empirical evidence, which may guide the development of effective mammography screening promotion messages.

METHODS

A sample of 173 low-income White and Black women randomly selected from a managed care organization rated each of 21 potential mammography barriers on a scale ranging from "strongly agree" to "strongly disagree." A maximum clustering similarity method was used to identify relevant clusters of screening barriers.

RESULTS

Five clusters were derived, with a high similarity index (0.881). Each cluster was named to reflect the shared theme of the barriers within it: Perceived Lack of Value in Health Care, Lack of Information, Mistrust/Skepticism, Medical Delay Behavior, and Anxiety/No Control. A dominant barrier within each cluster was identified, and bivariate correlation coefficients were reported.

CONCLUSION

Cluster analysis yielded five distinct subgroups of mammography screening barriers.

A national study of out-of-pocket expenditures for mammography screening

OBJECTIVES

To identify variations in screening mammography expenditures, primarily out-of-pocket and total expenditures, of women 40-64 years of age in the United States and factors associated with variations.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of data collected from the 2007 and 2008 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). The sample included 2020 women 40-64 years of age who received one mammogram in 2007 or 2008. Ordinary least squares regression was used to describe relationships among out-of-pocket mammography expenditures, total mammography expenditures, and out-of-pocket mammography expenditures as a percentage of total mammography expenditures and such independent variables as insurance status and type, income, region of the United States, and type of facility where a mammogram was received.

RESULTS

The average out-of-pocket expenditure for a mammogram in 2007 or 2008 was $33, representing 14.1% of the total mammogram expenditure ($266). After controlling for demographic and health factors, women who were uninsured, were from the Midwest, and had a mammogram at an office-based facility had greater out-of-pocket mammography expenditures. Women who were uninsured, lived in the South, and received their mammogram at an office-based facility had out-of-pocket mammography expenditures that represented a greater proportion of the total mammography expenditures.

CONCLUSIONS

Large variations in out-of-pocket expenditures were observed among women with and without insurance and between insurance types, geographic regions of the United States, and types of facilities where mammograms were received. A higher financial burden of mammography screening among some subgroups of women may act as a barrier to future mammography screening.

Ohio Appalachian women's perceptions of the cost of cervical cancer screening

BACKGROUND

Despite evidence of the importance of cervical cancer screening, screening rates in the United States remain below national prevention goals. Women in the Appalachia Ohio region have higher cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates along with lower cancer screening rates. This study explored the expectations of Appalachian Ohio women with regard to Papanicolaou (Pap) test cost and perceptions of cost as a barrier to screening.

METHODS

Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 571 women who were part of a multilevel, observational community-based research program in Appalachia Ohio. Eligible women were identified through 14 participating health clinics and asked questions regarding Pap test cost and perceptions of cost as a barrier to screening. Estimates of medical costs were compared with actual costs reported by clinics.

RESULTS

When asked about how much a Pap test would cost, 80% of the women reported they did not know. Among women who reportedly believed they knew the cost, 40% overestimated test cost. Women who noted cost as a barrier were twice as likely to not receive a test within screening guidelines as those who did not perceive a cost barrier. Furthermore, uninsured women were more than 8.5 times as likely to note cost as a barrier than women with private insurance.

CONCLUSIONS

Although underserved women in need of cancer screening commonly report cost as a barrier, the findings of the current study suggest that women may have a very limited and often inaccurate understanding concerning Pap test cost. Providing women with this information may help reduce the impact of this barrier to screening.

Increased Black-White disparities in mortality after the introduction of lifesaving innovations: a possible consequence of US federal laws

OBJECTIVES

We explored whether the introduction of 3 lifesaving innovations introduced between 1989 and 1996 increased, decreased, or had no effect on disparities in Black-White mortality in the United States through 2006.

METHODS

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data were used to assess disease-, age-, gender-, and race-specific changes in mortality after the introduction of highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) for treatment of HIV, surfactants for neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, and Medicare reimbursement of mammography screening for breast cancer.

RESULTS

Disparities in Black-White mortality from HIV significantly increased after the introduction of HAART, surfactant therapy, and reimbursement for screening mammography. Between 1989 and 2006, these circumstances may have accounted for an estimated 22,441 potentially avoidable deaths among Blacks.

CONCLUSIONS

These descriptive data contribute to the formulation of the hypothesis that federal laws promote increased disparities in Black-White mortality by inadvertently favoring Whites with respect to access to lifesaving innovations. Failure of legislation to address known social factors is a plausible explanation, at least in part, for the observed findings. Further research is necessary to test this hypothesis, including analytic epidemiological studies designed a priori to do so.

Processes Inherent in Mammography-Screening Decisions of Rarely or Never-Screened Women

Breast cancer is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity. A strong association exists between survival and early detection through regular mammography. Impoverished women underuse this life-saving screening, resulting in a disproportionate cancer burden. The study purpose is to discover the process of rarely or never-screened women’s mammography-screening decisions. The sample consists of five rural, low-income, uninsured, and rarely or never-screened women. Grounded theory methodology is used to generate a new theoretical explanation of mammography-screening decision making. Findings include the central conceptual categories, intuitive dominance and intuitive certainty, which contribute toward an intuitive decision-making default. This intuitive thinking style weaves throughout two interrelated categories: (a) scarce, supportive, relational resources for learning and (b) dichotomous health care—seeking behaviors. Implications focus on a nontraditional client assessment whereby nurses can facilitate relational-based knowledge construction. Recommendations for future research include examination of the process of integrating intuition with reasoned thought for more fully informed decisions.

Impact of mailed and automated telephone reminders on receipt of repeat mammograms: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

This study compares the efficacy of three types of reminders in promoting annual repeat mammography screening.

DESIGN

RCT.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Study recruitment occurred in 2004-2005. Participants were recruited through the North Carolina State Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees. All were aged 40-75 years and had a screening mammogram prior to study enrollment. A total of 3547 women completed baseline telephone interviews.

INTERVENTION

Prior to study recruitment, women were assigned randomly to one of three reminder groups: (1) printed enhanced usual care reminders (EUCRs); (2) automated telephone reminders (ATRs) identical in content to EUCRs; or (3) enhanced letter reminders that included additional information guided by behavioral theory. Interventions were delivered 2-3 months prior to women's mammography due dates.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Repeat mammography adherence, defined as having a mammogram no sooner than 10 months and no later than 14 months after the enrollment mammogram.

RESULTS

Each intervention produced adherence proportions that ranged from 72% to 76%. Post-intervention adherence rates increased by an absolute 17.8% from baseline. Women assigned to ATRs were significantly more likely to have had mammograms than women assigned to EUCRs (p=0.014). Comparisons of reminder efficacy did not vary across key subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

Although all reminders were effective in promoting repeat mammography adherence, ATRs were the most effective and lowest in cost. Health organizations should consider using ATRs to maximize proportions of members who receive mammograms at annual intervals.

Addressing social determinants of health to improve access to early breast cancer detection: results of the Boston REACH 2010 Breast and Cervical Cancer Coalition Women's Health Demonstration Project

BACKGROUND

The Boston Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) 2010 Breast and Cervical Cancer Coalition developed a case management intervention for women of African descent to identify and reduce medical and social obstacles to breast cancer screening and following up abnormal results.

METHODS

We targeted black women at high risk for inadequate cancer screening and follow-up as evidenced by a prior pattern of missed clinic appointments and frequent urgent care use. Case managers provided referrals to address patient-identified social concerns (e.g., transportation, housing, language barriers), as well as navigation to prompt screening and follow-up of abnormal tests. We recruited 437 black women aged 40-75, who received care at participating primary care sites. The study was conducted as a prospective cohort study rather than as a controlled trial and evaluated intervention effects on mammography uptake and longitudinal screening rates via logistic regression and timely follow-up of abnormal tests via Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS

A significant increase in screening uptake was found (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.13-2.08). Housing concerns (p < 0.05) and lacking a regular provider (p < 0.01) predicted poor mammography uptake. Years of participation in the intervention increased odds of obtaining recommended screening by 20% (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.02-1.40), but this effect was attenuated by covariates (p = 0.53). Timely follow-up for abnormal results was achieved by most women (85%) but could not be attributed to the intervention (HR 0.95, 95% CI 0.50-1.80).

CONCLUSIONS

Case management was successful at promoting mammography screening uptake, although no change in longitudinal patterns was found. Housing concerns and lacking a regular provider should be addressed to promote mammography uptake. Future research should provide social assessment and address social obstacles in a randomized controlled setting to confirm the efficacy of social determinant approaches to improve mammography use.