Breast cancer screening trends in the United States and ethnicity

Abstract

Background: The study objectives were to compare and examine mammography use trends among ethnic/racial women in the context of United States Healthy People 2010 goals.

Methods: We analyzed pooled, multistage probability sample data from the 1996-2007 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. Included in the sample were female respondents of ages 40 to 75 years (N = 64,811) from six ethnic/racial groups (Black, White, Mexican, Other Latinas, Puerto Rican, and Cuban). The primary outcome was self-reported, past two-year mammography use consistent with screening practice guidelines.

Results: We found that for most U.S. women, the Healthy People 2010 mammography goal (70%) was achieved between 1996 and 2007. Puerto Rican and White women, respectively, had the highest mammography rates, and Black and Cuban women had rates that approached the 2010 goal.

Conclusion: Mexican Latinas reported the lowest rates of past two-year mammography; however, factors enabling healthcare access markedly moderated this lower likelihood. From 2000, Mexican Latinas' mammography use was markedly below (10%) the Healthy People 2010 goal and remained there for the duration.

Impact: Our findings indicate that healthcare equity goals are attainable if efforts are made to reach a sizeable portion of vulnerable populations.

Figure 1

Mammography trends for women ages 40 years and older by Race/Ethnicity in the US. Results are from pooled Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data (available years 1996–2007).