Recent mammography in women aged 35 and older: predisposing variables.

Early detection through regular mammography screening is the most effective way to decrease mortality from breast cancer. Our purpose in writing this report was to identify factors that influenced women to adhere to mammography guidelines within the year prior to the study. A sample of 581 women aged 35 years and older was used. Data were collected during in-home interviews led by graduate research assistants. Results indicated that the predisposing variables of seriousness, benefits, health motivation, control, knowledge of breast cancer and mammography guidelines, socioeconomic status, age, physician recommendation for mammography, and prior breast symptoms were significantly related to having had recent mammography.