Predictors of Preventive Breast Cancer Screening: Findings From a National Dataset

Introduction Breast cancer is a major health concern and is the most common cancer in women according to the American Cancer Society with 1 in 3 women diagnosed each year. Breast cancer screening with annual or biennial mammography for women 40 years and older has significantly decreased mortality. Our aim in this study is to assess factors predicting and affecting adherence to breast cancer screening in the United States, consequently recognizing where and how an intervension is required. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted of adult women using the 2021 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). Data that was analyzed and recorded included age, race, anxiety, BMI, smoking status, region, education level, residence location, health insurance, self-rated health status, pay for mammogram, and mammogram within 2 years. Results Data from 6334 women between 50 and 74 of age was analyzed. 4583 women (72.8%) had a mammogram within the past two year while 1751 (27.2%) had notscreening was not affected by age as 27.8% of women between 50–64 and 26.2% of women between 65–74 did not have a mammogram (P value = 0.223), or by region (P value = 0.176). However, adherenece to screening varied significantly by race (P value < 0.0001), BMI (P value = 0.02), level of education (P value < 0.0001), insurance status (P value < 0.0001), smoking status (P value = 0.0001), and place of residence (P value = 0.002). Conclusion Breast cancer screening has substantial role in reducing morbidity and mortality from the disease. Further interventions are still needed to assess factors preventing women from undergoing screening and assist in addressing such factors.