Factors associated with women not getting mammography

April 23, 2024

Source, Miller et al MMWR, CDC, April, 2024 LINK

Mammograms save lives, but about a quarter of women do not get mammograms every other year as recommended by the US Preventive Services Task Force. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reviewed results of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey, completed by about 117,000 women during 2022, and published information last week about the factors associated with getting mammography.

The researchers found that obtaining the recommended breast cancer screening is strongly associated with higher income, higher educational level, metropolitan area residence, having health insurance, and having a physician. Those with more social risk factors were less likely to get mammograms. Black women have higher rates of mammography than women of other races.

Financial strain predicted lower mammography rates. High-risk women and individuals with dense breasts may require MRIs or ultrasounds that require patient cost-share.

Implications for employers:

-        Employers can tailor their communication programs to those at highest risk of missing mammography,

-        Employers can remind all women that mammography screening generally does not incur out of pocket costs.

-        Employers can offer on-site screenings to decrease barriers to mammography.

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