J Prev Med Public Health.  2008 May;41(3):186-194. 10.3961/jpmph.2008.41.3.186.

Socioeconomic Disparities in Breast Cancer Screening among US Women: Trends from 2000 to 2005

• Kim J
• Jang SN

• KMID: 792556
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.2008.41.3.186

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
This study describes trends in the socioeconomic disparities in breast cancer screening among US women aged 40 or over, from 2000 to 2005. We assessed 1) the disparities in each socioeconomic dimension; 2) the changes in screening mammography rates over time according to income, education, and race; and 3) the sizes and trends of the disparities over time.
METHODS
Using data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) from 2000 to 2005, we calculated the age-adjusted screening rate according to relative household income, education level, health insurance, and race. Odds ratios and the relative inequality index (RII) were also calculated, controlling for age.
RESULTS
Women in their 40s and those with lower relative incomes were less likely to undergo screening mammography. The disparity based on relative income was greater than that based on education or race (the RII among low-income women across the survey years was 3.00 to 3.48). The overall participation rate and absolute differences among socioeconomic groups changed little or decreased slightly across the survey years. However, the degree of each socioeconomic disparity and the relative inequality among socioeconomic positions remained quite consistent.
CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest that the trend of the disparity in breast cancer screening varied by socioeconomic dimension. ontinued differences in breast cancer screening rates related to income level should be considered in future efforts to decrease the disparities in breast cancer among socioeconomic groups. More focused interventions, as well as the monitoring of trends in cancer screening participation by income and education, are needed in different social settings.

Keyword

Socioeconomic disparity; Cancer screening; Trend; Breast cancer

MeSH Terms

Adult
Age Factors
Aged
Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
Breast Neoplasms/*radiography
Female
*Healthcare Disparities
Humans
Mammography/*utilization
Mass Screening/*trends
Middle Aged
*Social Class
Socioeconomic Factors
United States