Utilization of screening mammography by primary care physicians.

Although mammography is the primary modality for the detection of early breast cancer, routine screening of asymptomatic women in the U.S. has not occurred. A survey of the referral practices for breast cancer screening of 513 Virginia primary care physicians was conducted. An average percentage of 39% of women age 35 to 40, 55% of women age 40 to 50, and 57% of women over age 50 were referred for screening mammography. Gynecologists referred the greatest number of women for screening. An increase of mammography referrals was repeated by 81% of physicians; 21% of physicians stated that they referred all women over 50 for screening. Half of the physicians believed that women in their community were unaware of the benefits of mammography screening. Major deterrents were the cost of mammography and the lack of third-party coverage.