Breast cancer screening. First Nations communities in New Brunswick.
OBJECTIVE
To determine use of breast cancer screening and barriers to screening among women in First Nations communities (FNCs).


METHODS
Structured, administered survey.


METHODS
Five FNCs in New Brunswick.


METHODS
One hundred thirty-three (96%) of 138 eligible women between the ages of 50 and 69 years.


METHODS
After project objectives, methods, and expected outcomes were discussed with community health representatives, we administered a 32-item questionnaire on many aspects of breast cancer screening.


METHODS
Rate of use of mammography and other breast cancer screening methods, and barriers to screening.


RESULTS
Some 65% of participants had had mammography screening within the previous 2 years. Having mammography at recommended intervals and clinical breast examinations (CBEs) yearly were significantly associated with having had a physician recommend the procedures (P < .001). A family history of breast cancer increased the odds of having a mammogram 2.6-fold (P < .05, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03 to 6.54). Rates of screening differed sharply by whether a family physician was physically practising in the community or not (P < .05, odds ratio 2.68, 95% CI 1.14 to 6.29).


CONCLUSIONS
Women in FNCs in one health region in New Brunswick have mammography with the same frequency as off-reserve women. A family physician practising part time in the FNCs was instrumental in encouraging women to participate in breast cancer screening.
Department of Family Medicine, Dalhousie University, Fredericton, NB.
Sue
S
Tatemichi
Baukje
B
Miedema
Shelley
S
Leighton
D000368:Aged; D044467:American Indian or Alaska Native; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000208:ethnology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016504:Breast Self-Examination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008327:Mammography / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009509:New Brunswick; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000208:ethnology*