Mammography and health promotion in women ages 50 to 75

Literature indicates that mammography is the single most effective method of screening for breast cancer. Several patient-related barriers to mammography for older women have been described (Costanza, 1994).

A survey of mature women was conducted in Chautauqua County, New York to determine if women who engaged in moderate physical activity, such as walking 15 to 30 minutes five to seven days per week also obtained yearly mammograms. The tool utilized was a researcher-developed survey that assessed the frequency of mammography screening as recommended by the American Cancer Society, and regular participation in moderate physical activity. The sample consisted of 66 mature women between the ages of 50 and 75. Most participants had a regular place for health care and most frequently went to a physician’s office for their health care. All the study participants were covered by some type of health insurance. Patient-related barriers to mammography screening reported by Weinberg et al. (1997) were not perceived as barriers by these research participants. The results of this study indicated that women who engaged in moderate physical activity were less likely to obtain yearly mammograms. The hypothesis that mature women who engage in the health promoting behavior of regular moderate exercise are more likely to obtain routine mammograms was rejected.