Objective
Despite relatively high mammography screening rates, there are reports of inadequate follow-up of abnormal results. Our objective was to identify factors associated with inadequate follow-up, and specifically, to determine if this outcome differed by race/ethnicity.

[Breast cancer screening--two years after].

Inadequate follow-up of abnormal screening mammograms: findings from the race differences in screening mammography process study (United States)*

Objective We evaluated the association of risk factors for breast cancer with reported follow-up procedures after abnormal mammography among diverse women. Methods: Women ages 40–80 years were recruited from four clinical sites after receiving a screening mammography result that was classified as abnormal but probably benign, suspicious or highly suspicious, or indeterminate using standard criteria. A telephone-administered survey asked about breast cancer risk factors (family history, estrogen use, physical inactivity, age of menarche, age at birth of first child, parity, alcohol use), and self-reported use of diagnostic tests (follow-up mammogram, breast ultrasound, or biopsy). Results: Nine hundred and seventy women completed the interview, mean age was 56, 42% were White, 19% Latina, 25% African American, and 15% Asian. White women were more likely to have a positive family history (20%), use estrogen (32%), be nulliparous (17%) and drink alcohol (62%). Latinas were more likely to be physically inactive (93%), African Americans to have early onset of menarche (53%) and Asians first child after age 30 (21%). White women were more likely to have suspicious mammograms (40%) and to undergo biopsy (45%). In multivariate models, Latinas were more likely to report breast ultrasound, physical inactive women reported fewer follow-up mammograms, and care outside the academic health center was associated with fewer biopsies. Indeterminate and suspicious mammography interpretations were significantly associated with more biopsy procedures (OR=8.4; 95% CI = 3.8–18.5 and OR=59; 95% CI = 35–100, respectively). Conclusions: Demographic profile and breast cancer risk factors have little effect on self-reported use of diagnostic procedures following an abnormal mammography examination. Level of mammography abnormality determines diagnostic evaluation but variance by site of care was observed.

[Breast cancer screening--two years after].

Citations

Inadequate follow-up of abnormal screening mammograms: findings from the race differences in screening mammography process study (United States)*

Are risk factors for breast cancer associated with follow-up procedures in diverse women with abnormal mammography?

Oncology nursing society 2005-2009 research agenda