Abstract B113: Regional differences in barriers to breast cancer screening among low-income African American women in Nashville, Chattanooga, and Memphis Tennessee

Abstract

Abstract Background: African American women are more likely to have advanced breast cancer at the time of diagnosis and experience worse outcomes than Caucasian women. National surveys have shown that African American women obtain less breast cancer screening than Caucasian women. However, the degree to which psychosocial and economic barriers contribute to racial differences in breast cancer screening remains unclear. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine regional predictors of breast cancer screening among African American women residing in Nashville, Chattanooga, and Memphis. In addition to regional predictors of breast cancer screening, obstacles to screening were also examined. The aim of this study was to incorporate this information into programs aimed at improving breast cancer screening rates at the three Tennessee cities. Methods: As part of the Meharry Community Networks Program (CNP) needs assessment, a community survey was administered to assess demographic characteristics, breast cancer screening practices, health care access and utilization, and lifestyle behaviors of low-income African American women. Participants were recruited from predominantly African American communities in Nashville, Chattanooga, and Memphis. Only women 40 years and older were included in this study. The final sample size was 286. Results: The screening rates for mammograms within the past two years among African American women, 40 years and older in Nashville, Chattanooga, and Memphis were 65%, 67% and 62% respectively. There were no regional differences in the screening rates. The predictors of mammograms in the three regions included having made at least one medical visit in the past year, annual household income, employment status, and health insurance status. Although geographically, there were similar predictors of breast cancer screening, there were differences in barriers to screening among the three cities. For example, Memphis participants were more likely to report transportation issues and child/elderly care as obstacles to screening compared to participants in Nashville and Chattanooga (p<.05). In addition, Nashville and Memphis were more likely to report fear of a positive cancer diagnosis than Chattanooga (p<.05). Discussion: Understanding regional similarities and differences in breast cancer screening behaviors among African American women is important for addressing psychosocial and economic barriers that may contribute to low screening rates. Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2010;19(10 Suppl):B113.