Breast and colorectal cancer screening among low-income women with psychiatric disorders

Abstract

This study investigated breast and colorectal cancer screening among 196 low-income women being treated for psychiatric illnesses. Main outcome measures included breast self-examination (BSE), clinical breast examination (CBE), mammography, digital rectal examination (DRE), and fecal occult blood test (FOBT). Results indicated that 49% and 66% of women 40 years of age or older had obtained mammograms and CBEs, respectively, in the preceding year. Forty-four per cent of women 20 years of age or older reported monthly BSE. Forty-six per cent and 35% of women 50 years of age or older reported having digital rectal exams (DRE) or fecal occult blood tests (FOBT), respectively, in the preceding year. Multivariate analyses showed that physician recommendation of screening was the strongest predictor of having obtained a mammogram, CBE, DRE or FOBT in the preceding year. Physician recommendation and self-confidence in performing BSE were the strongest predictors of monthly BSE. These results highlight the importance of physician recommendation of adherence to screening guidelines for breast and colorectal cancer. Because psychiatrists frequently treat psychiatric patients on a regular basis, they are in a unique position to encourage cancer screening and to monitor compliance with their recommendations.

Use of Mobile Phones, Computers and Internet Among Clients of an Inner-City Community Psychiatric Clinic

“…Studies have repeatedly found that the uptake of routine medical screenings, such as mammography and colorectal screening, is very low among those with serious mental illness. 23–25 Developing medical information websites that provide information on and promote heath screening may be an effective way of reaching this population. Borzekowski et al 16 found that the Internet-based health information sought by those with serious mental illness is predominantly related to mental health issues, so that incorporating health screening information into mental health information websites could be particularly effective.…”

Knowledge, attitude, and behavior among Saudis toward cancer preventive practice

“…[928] On the other hand, Friedman et al . [29] had shown that physician recommendation of screening was the strongest predictor for having obtained a mammogram, CBE, monthly BSE, digital rectal examination, and fecal occult blood test. The family physician was often the first doctor that a woman consulted for general medical ailments.…”

Early Stage Breast Cancer Treatments for Younger Medicare Beneficiaries with Different Disabilities

“…Women with psychiatric disabilities might possibly have higher rates of breast cancer, perhaps related to medications or hormonal causes, although evidence is contradictory (Halbreich, Shen, and Panaro 1996;Lokugamage et al 2006). Research also seems inconclusive but suggests that women with mental health problems might receive mammograms less often than other women (Owen, Jessie, and De Vries Robbe 2002;Lasser et al 2003;Sullivan et al 2003;Friedman et al 2005;Kahn et al 2005). Lower rates of mammography could result from a variety of causes, but might raise concerns about whether these women would adhere to demanding radiotherapy schedules or receive adequate follow-up care if BCS were performed.…”