Race differences in mammography and colorectal cancer screening among older u.s. women, behavioral risk factor surveillance system (Brfss), 1999

PURPOSE: National guidelines recommend that persons aged greater-or-equal, slanted50 years at average risk for colorectal cancer should have regular screening tests. Breast cancer detection guidelines suggest yearly mammography for all women greater-or-equal, slanted40 years of age. This research examines current screening practices for these cancers among US women by age group and by race/ethnicity. METHODS: Data come from the 1999 BRFSS, a state-specific, population-based, random telephone survey of health-related behaviors and preventive practices (n = 58,127 women greater-or-equal, slanted 40; 38,280 greater-or-equal, slanted 50). Data were aggregated across states and weighted prevalence estimates were calculated for receipt of mammography or sigmoidoscopy/colonoscopy. RESULTS: Overall, over 70% of women greater-or-equal, slanted40 years had a mammogram within the past two years. There was little variation by race/ethnicity in receipt of recent mammogram, and a curvilinear effect by age group, with the percentage of women having been recently screened dipping under 70% in the youngest (40–44) and oldest (80+) age groups. Conversely, only 42.8% of women greater-or-equal, slanted50 years reported having ever received a sigmoidoscopy/colonoscopy. Variation by age group and race/ethnicity was observed among those screened for colorectal cancer. For example, white women (42.8%, 95%CI = 41.9–43.7) were significantly more likely than black (37.6%, CI = 34.7–40.5), Hispanic (33.3%, CI = 37.9–57.6), or Asian (28.2%, CI = 20.0–36.4) women greater-or-equal, slanted50 years to have ever had a sigmoidoscopy/colonoscopy. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that most women follow the recommended guidelines for mammography screening, however, the majority are not screened for colorectal cancer, which also varies by age and race/ethnicity. Implications of the findings for early detection and cancer prevention will be discussed.