Research from Howard University, Department of Psychology in the area of breast cancer epidemiology published
December 8th, 2008
2008 DEC 8 -- Scientists discuss in 'Predicting regular breast cancer screening in African-American women with a family history of breast cancer' new findings in breast cancer. "To evaluate the impact of socioeconomic, personal and affective factors on regular breast cancer screening in at-risk African-American women. The study was a cross-sectional analysis assessing socioeconomic and affective predictors of breast cancer screening practices," scientists in the United States report.
"Unaffected African-American women ages 40-64 with a family history of breast cancer were recruited from community settings. The main outcome measures were recent mammography, regular mammography and regular breast self-examinations. The majority of women reported having a recent mammogram (73%) and yearly mammograms (71%). More than half (56%) reported monthly breast self-examinations (BSEs). Available health insurance and risk perception had significant independent associations with regular mammography screening so that women having a mammogram every 6-12 months were more likely to have health insurance [odds ratio (OR)=4.99, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05-23.52], and women not engaged in regular screenings were less likely to perceive future breast cancer risk (OR=0.10, 95% CI: 0.01-0.96). Access to regular healthcare had a significant independent association with recent mammography so that women having a mammogram in the past 12 months were more likely to have access to regular healthcare (OR=6.59, 95% CI: 1.01-42.79). A significant majority of this subset of African-American women engage in repeat mammography screenings with cognitive and economic factors predicting noncompliance," wrote S.S. Laing and colleagues, Howard University, Department of Psychology.
The researchers concluded: "Additional research with repeat mammography users is required so that regular screening practices can be encouraged among all at-risk women."
Laing and colleagues published their study in the Journal of the National Medical Association (Predicting regular breast cancer screening in African-American women with a family history of breast cancer. Journal of the National Medical Association, 2008;100(11):1309-17).
For more information, contact S.S. Laing, Howard University, Dept. of Psychology, Washington, DC USA..
Publisher contact information for the Journal of the National Medical Association is: National Med Association, 1012 10th St., N W, Washingon, DC 20001, USA.
Keywords: United States, Washington, Breast Cancer Epidemiology, Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer Screening, Breast Carcinoma, Breast Carcinoma Screening, Breast Self-examination Aid, Cancer Screening, Epidemiology, Health Insurance, Medical Device, Mental Health, Oncology, Psychology, Women's Health.
This article was prepared by Clinical Oncology Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2008, Clinical Oncology Week via NewsRx.com.
