Barriers to timely mammography.

A survey of 399 women between 50 and 59 years of age was conducted to learn how we could improve their compliance with mammography screening guidelines. Our results showed that 78% of the women surveyed believed their physician would tell them if they needed a mammogram. Women who had not had a mammogram were more likely to be misinformed about indications for mammography than women who had had a mammogram. Women who had not had a mammogram were less likely to visit a health center than were women who had had a mammogram. A multifaceted approach including patient education to correct misinformation, reminder systems for women not seen regularly in health centers, and physician reminders may have the most impact.