Removing PERCEPTIONS of MAMMOGRAMS among AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN

Removing PERCEPTIONS of MAMMOGRAMS

Saving Lives

“A mammogram cansave your life!”

–LaTammia W.

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You may qualify for free breast screening and diagnosti c services if you:

1. Live in Texas, and

2. Do not have health insurance, and

3. Are age 18 or over, and

4. Age 40-60 years

5. Over age 64 years and not eligible for Medicare

6. Have income up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (see table to the right).

“Many of my friends told me that they don’t get their mammograms because they can’t aff ord it. I tell them about a resource, right here in Tyler that can pay for your mammogram if you don’t have insurance. As a breast cancer survivor, I understand the importance of regular mammograms. Please don’t let money keep you from getting screened. A mammogram could save your life. Schedule your mammogram today! Free Mammograms are available to those who qualify. –LaTammia W.

““

Perception #2: Cost of mammogram

Research suggests that the cost of a mammogram is keeping African American women from getting breast screening. The NET Health Center for Healthy Living off ers free mammograms in Smith County to women who are over the age of 40 or have a medical referral, are uninsured, and me et certain income requirements.

PERCEPTIONS OF MAMMOGRAPHYPerception #1: Not having insurance

A main reason behind diff erences in mammography screening rates in the U.S. is health insurance. Women who don’t have health insurance are much less likely to get mammograms than women with health insurance. In 2010, only 32 percent of women ages 40 and older with no health insurance had a mammogram within the past two years compared to 71 percent of those with insurance. For African American women, the risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer is lower than Caucasian women, but the risk of dying from breast cancer is 44% higher in African American women than Caucasian women. The lower screening rates are causing a higher mortality (death) rate because women are being diagnosed when the cancer is more invasive and advanced. “I believe a lot of women do

not get their mammograms because they don’t have any health insurance.” –Gean S.

Household Size1 Monthly Maximum GrossFamily Income

1 Person $1,962

$2,655

$3,348

$4,042

$4,042

2 Person

3 Person

4 Person

5 Person

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Perception #3: Fear they will fi nd something during screening

When we asked African American women in our community, we found that

there were a number of women who were afraid of fi nding cancer. We have to

remember that most women who have mammograms get a clean bill of health; 9

out of 10 women have. The women we spoke to in our community were relieved

when we reminded them that the sooner the breast cancer is detected, options

for treatment and more positive outcomes. Early detection is key. A mammogram

can fi nd cancer that is as small as the head of a pin, and the chance it can be

treated is excellent.

“I think the main reason women don’t get screened is because of fear that the doctors will fi nd something in conjunction with women not knowing how to go about health care. Or that they don’t have health care at all. African American women are skeptical of the unknown.” –Jean F.

“Women don’t want to know if they have breast cancer. I was afraid of the results.” –Angela S.

Are you feeling scared or nervous about having a mammogram? Refer to the resources on the back of the booklet.

BeFearless!get screened !Don’t be scared,

Gender: Simply being a woman is the main risk factor fordeveloping breast cancer. Men can develop breast cancer,but this disease is about 100 times more common amongwomen than men.

Aging: Your risk of developing breast cancer increases asyou get older. About 1 out of 8 invasive breast cancers arefoundin women younger than 45, while about 2 of 3 invasive breastcancers are found in women age 55 or older.

Genetic Risk Factors: About 5% to 10% of breast cancercases are thought to be hereditary, meaning that theyresult directly from gene defects (called mutations) inheritedfrom a parent.

Family History of Breast Cancer: Breast cancer risk is higheramong women whose close blood relatives have this disease.Having one first-degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter)with breast cancer approximately doubles a woman's risk.Having 2 first-degree relatives increases her risk about 3-fold.

Race & Ethnicity: Overall, Caucasian women are slightly more likely to develop breast cancer than are African-American women, but African-American women are more likely to die of this cancer. However, in women under 45 years of age, breast cancer is more common in African- American women. Asian, Hispanic, and Native-American women have a lower risk of developing and dying from breast cancer.

5 FactorsRisk123

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Give us a call to locate themost convenient location for you.

903-593-7474

Also, you may visit the NET Health Center for Healthy Living website for the mobile mammography schedule at:

www.healthyeasttx.org/services/CenterforHealthyLiving

For your convenience, there is a MOBILE MAMMOGRAPHY near you.

Perception #4: Fear it will hurt

When analyzing the results of our survey, we found that many African-American

women are afraid the mammogram will hurt. From start to fi nish, the mammogram

takes about 30 minutes. The technician is a woman and she will hand you a gown

that opens in the front and ask you to undress from the waist up. You will stand

next to the mammography machine and the technician will place your breast

between two plastic plates. She will carefully and gently move the plates together

to fl atten your breasts enough for a good picture. Although the squeeze may be

a little uncomfortable, it usually lasts only a few seconds, and very few women

report pain. The technician will make a total of 4 x-ray pictures - two of each breast.

One picture is taken from the top to the bottom of the chest and the other from

the sides of the breast. A radiologist will read your mammogram and send a report

to your doctor. Your doctor will let you know the resultsof a screening, usually

within a few days the radiologist will read the results, of a diagnostic mammogram,

immediately. “I was scared it would hurt, but all I felt was discomfort for a few seconds when I got my mammogram.”-Anonymous

“

“ “My name ShaRonda Jackson from Tyler, TX and I am a breast cancer survivor. I know fi rst-

hand that cancer is scary, but every woman needs a mammogram. No one wants to think

a diagnosis of breast cancer can happen to them - fear of the unknown, fear of pain, or fear of cancer. Don’t let fear keep you from

getting a mammogram. It will give you a piece of mind. Be Fearless! Schedule your mammogram today! Free Mammograms

are available to those who qualify. Call the NET Health, Center for Healthy Living.”

–ShaRhonda

OVERVIEWProject OvervBreast cancer is the second leading cause of death among African-

American women. Although African American women are less likely to be diagnosed

with breast cancer, they are more likely to die from breast cancer than any other racial or

ethnic group. This is a serious problem and the gap is widening. Research suggests that

the lives of many African American women would be saved if they received regular breast

cancer screenings. The goal of this study is to increase the number of African-American

women receiving screening mammograms in Smith County by understanding and

addressing their perceptions about breast cancer screening through education and

outreach.

Access to and utilization of breast cancer screenings has been an area where Northeast

Texas Public Health District (NET Health) has strived to increase service for all women and

reduce disparities for a number of years. Through the “Breast Health & Screening Initiative”,

NET Health has worked closely with the Susan G. Komen, Tyler Affiliate to provide and

promote breast cancer prevention services for all women in Northeast Texas.

“African American women as a whole only go to the doctor for what they think they need.”

–Charlotte T.

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Key Findings: 36% said they didn’t receive a mammogram because they don’t have insurance 27% said it was because mammograms are too expensive22% said it was because they’re afraid the doctor will find cancer18% said it was because they’re afraid a mammogram will hurt

9% said it was difficult to make an appointment at a time that suited them5% said a mammogram takes too long/don’t have time to get one; and 5% said they forgot

The Center for Healthy Living:2815 Frankston HWY Tyler, TX 75701

(903) 593-7474

www.healthyeasttx.orgMade possible by Susan G Komen Tyler Affiliate

0%

I’m afraid they will findsomething during my screening

Bad experience of breast screening in the past

I do not believe I am at risk

Mammograms are painful

Doctors and hospitals make me nervous

I do not have insurance

The radiation from themammogram can cause cancer

It was difficult to make an appointmentat a time that suited me

A mammogram takes to long;I don’t have the time

I forgot

Cost of mammograms

Embarrassment

10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Reasons for not having a mammogram

Additional Finings:

Breast Screening Survey