Comparison of breast screening outcomes from a cancer control intervention for African-American and white women in western New York.

Abstract

This study's purpose was to compare breast screening outcomes, health practices, and risk factors for low-income African-American and white women who participated in a multistrategy cancer control intervention. Subjects were recruited from their communities to participate in breast screening activities (clinical breast examination and mammography testing). Data were collected via a screening intake form for a 2-year period (mid- 1994 to mid- 1996). As a result of the recruitment. 1444 women enrolled for breast screening services. They included 282 African Americans. 1079 whites, and 83 other minorities. African-American and white women alike reported deficiencies in monthly breast self-examination practices and previous mammography use. However, more African-American women than white women reported monthly breast self-examination practice (P < 001). More white than African-American women reported having had a previous mammogram (P < .002). Examination of selected risk factors showed that both African-American women and white women had minimum family history. A comparison of breast screening outcomes showed that African-American women presented with slightly more abnormalities than did white women after undergoing clinical breast exams and mammography. However, no significant difference was found when comparing these variables. Overall, African-American women were as likely as white women to participate in screening activities. There was little difference between these groups when comparing screening outcomes, health practices, and risk factors.