Adherence to mammography guidelines in women with and without a family history of breast cancer

The purpose of this study was to determine if women with a family history of breast cancer are adhering to the recommended guidelines for mammography use more often than women without a family history of breast cancer. Literature indicates these women are at high risk for contracting breast cancer and compliance with mammography screening is low (Center for Disease Control, 1997). An existing survey authored by Dr. Anna Miller (Miller & Champion, 1996) that examined demographics, compliance, attitudes, beliefs, influencing factors and knowledge of mammography usage was utilized. The sample consisted of 90 women from 2 sites in northwestern Pennsylvania. The results from this study indicate that women with a family history do not adhere to guidelines more than women without a family history. The compliance rate of having at least one mammogram was 80% in the group with a family history and 78% in the group without a family history of breast cancer. This is higher than what is reported in the literature. Having a health care provider recommend a mammogram was the greatest measure of adherence. The results were consistent with Dr. Miller’s study, and indicate that primary care providers are in a valuable position to influence compliance.