title: Access to and participation in breast cancer screening: a review of recent literature.
abstract: Recently, attention has been focused on the incentives for access to and participation in breast cancer screening programs. The Healthy People 2000 health goals for the nation calls for 60% of women aged 50 years and older to have had mammograms and clinical breast exams within the preceding 2 years. To achieve this objective, the incentives for access to and participation in breast cancer screening programs must be identified. The present review examines incentive-based hypotheses dealing with lower socioeconomic status, lack of insurance coverage, physician referral, and self-referral. Policy-oriented solutions that have attempted to correct the disincentives associated with low access and participation were analyzed. The sophistication of screening technology is of primary importance; however, this review provides additional information that can be used to ensure the implementation of quality mammography screening programs.
authors.affiliation: Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Potter
authors.forename: P D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Mauldin
authors.forename: H A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Hill
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D007348:Insurance, Health / Q000191:economics; D008327:Mammography / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008484:Medicaid / Q000191:economics; D008875:Middle Aged; D009515:New Jersey; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012923:Social Class; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology