Brief videotapes depicting peers of the target group may be useful, as may be the use of peer educators. In addition, such interventions as educational efforts and the actual provision of mammography using portable units can be provided in community-based locations, such as churches, schools, and even grocery stores. Appropriate follow-up can be difficult with such community outreach but is usually possible with proper planning. We plan to study such a program and evaluate whether or not such interventions will improve use of screening mammography in our area. Burns RB, McCarthy EP, Freund KM, Marwill SL, Shwartz M, Ash A, et al.
Black women receive less mammography even with similar use of primary care.
Ann Intern Med. We could not determine why mammography use is lower in black women or how this rate can be improved. The studies suggested by Jackson and Davis are the important next step in trying to understand and overcome the lower rate of mammography use that we documented in black women. We concur that patient education may well be the key component in trying to improve mammography use among black women. We look forward to seeing the results of Jackson and Davis's work.