Rates were consistent for all age categories for these statements. SM Sutton, PhD, Office of Cancer Communications, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health. Although the interview methodology was different, the percentage of women interviewed in the MAUS telephone survey who had had a mammogram by 1987 was comparable to the percentage found in the NHIS in-person interviews. However, if death rates are to be decreased, mammography use rates must continue to increase, and women must return for repeat mammograms at recommended intervals. Special efforts are needed to ensure that older women and women with low levels of income and education receive mammograms.
Physicians are key motivators of women to use mammography.
In addition, efforts to attain higher mammography use should include informing women that the radiation from a mammogram is negligible and should not deter them from receiving regular mammograms. References National Cancer Institute. Cancer statistics review 1973-1986, including a report on the status of cancer control. Methods for random digit dialing. National Cancer Institute Breast Cancer Screening Consortium.