Increasing Follow Up Rates Among African American Women With Abnormal Mammography Results

The proportion of mammograms interpreted as abnormal in large screening programs is as high as 15-20%. Thus, if 15% of the 48 million American women 40 years of age or older have mammograms, there would be more than 7 million abnormal mammography results each year. It has been estimated that 30% or more of women with abnormal mammograms fail to comply with follow-up recommendations. This proportion is disparate across racial groups, - such that women from minority populations are less likely to receive follow-up than white women. There is little known about why this disparity exists and a need to find out more in order to decrease the number of black women dying from this disease. This study proposed to look at this existing problem from a new perspective-that of the African American woman. The goal of this study was to improve the rates of follow-up in African American women after an abnormal mammogram result by understanding the variables that predict follow-up and developing an innovative intervention through community input that overcomes obstacles to follow-up. Thirty-nine women were interviewed about their health practices, particularly their knowledge, attitudes, and practices associated with mammogram screening. Findings indicate that mot of the women are receiving regular care and are fairly positive about the importance of early detection.