Maximizing the referral of older women for screening mammography

The Role of the Physician as an Information Source on Mammography

“…Physicians who are aware of these issues and provide this type of information to their patients may further lessen potential barriers. A study by Lemkau et al 39 stressed that the primary care physician is in a crucial position to facilitate mammography referral and that either underestimation of the physician's role or overestimation of patient resistance may result in lost opportunities. A brief discussion of patients' concerns, which may include concerns regarding insurance and Medicare coverage, is appropriate.…”

Reduced Screening Mammography Among Women With Diabetes

“…5,7,9,11,14,15 Underusers of mammography most often cite being unaware of the benefits of mammograms, or that they were not advised to obtain a mammogram by their physician despite regular checkups. 9,10,14,16,17 These findings highlight the importance of the physician's role in screening promotion. Highly educated women may be more likely to advocate for and remind their physicians about preventive screening, while women with greater socioeconomic and cultural barriers to health education may be more reliant on their provider for health advice.…”

Increasing Mammography Practice by African American Women

“…Although there is significant literature on breast cancer in African American women, 2 , 26 most studies of screening behaviors describe the issues and problems without demonstrating quantifiable methods of effectively increasing breast cancer screening in this population. Notable exceptions are the effective use of tailored physician messages 27 , 28 and physician encouragement of referrals for mammography 29 . Reaching women who may be less likely to have the benefit of a physician referral requires an effective community outreach effort 14 .…”