Barriers to breast cancer screening adherence in African American women

This study assessed breast cancer screening adherence and perceived barriers via a self-administered survey in African American women in Connecticut. The questionnaire included scales to measure (a) adherence to screening, (b) barriers to screening, and (c) demographic characteristics. Results revealed that 31.6% of participants were compliant with the Breast Self Examination guideline and women with a higher level of education were more likely to have regular self examinations. Participants were fairly compliant with Clinical Breast Examinations (CBE) and mammograms; 73.4% of participants had a CBE in the previous year and 69.6% of participants had a mammogram in the previous year. There was a positive relationship between CBE adherence and mammography adherence. Participants noted lack of health coverage, doctors' not specifying the need for screening, and forgetting to go for screening as barriers to adherence. Scheduling screening appointments and sending constant reminders should be encouraged to help improve screening adherence.