It's estimated that 180,200 women will receive a diagnosis of breast cancer in 1997 the majority of them over 50 years old. Studies have consistently shown a decrease in mortality of about one third among women over 50 who regularly undergo screening mammography. However, data from the 1993 National Health Information Survey indicate that, at the time of the survey, only 46 percent of women over 50 and only 39 percent of women over 65 had a mammogram in the previous year. Dr. Brawley also noted that studies to explore ways to encourage mammography screening are ongoing, primarily through extramural studies in the NCI Division of Cancer Prevention and Control. The dissemination of a clear public health message about mammography for health professionals and for patients is an important aspect of NCI's efforts to promote mammography screening.
Studies show low screening rates among older women.
Her office's first order of business, she says, is to update existing resources with the new recommendations. Dr. Breen pointed out the importance of sending a clear message about mammography screening to health care professionals, as it is frequently the woman's physician or health care provider who suggests that she be screened. Ms. Castro and her office are developing a large-scale communications plan to promote information about breast cancer and screening mammography to women and health care providers. Kate Nagy, program analyst, Office of Science Policy, National Cancer Institute.