Utilization of mammography. Social and behavioral trends.

Key policy developments in the utilization of mammographic screening for the early detection of breast cancer in the U.S. since 1973 are reviewed. Recent data from the 1990 and 1992 Mammography Attitudes and Usage Studies on attitudes toward mammography and screening behaviors among U.S. women aged 40 and older are summarized. Physician screening behavior is discussed using data from the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society. The author concludes that additional efforts are needed to change screening behaviors among women and physicians and summarizes key issues for future research.