Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate mammography rates and indications (diagnosis or screening) among women from 35 to 50 of age, and to search the main factors associated to mammographic screening.
Design and setting: The data were collected from 6409 women through a specific questionnaire completed by a nurse.
Results: Among women from 35 to 50 years of age, 61% have undergone at least one mammography during their life; 25.6% had undergone a screening mammogram within the last three years. Whatever women's age or indications, the gynecologist was the first physician to prescribe mammography. Logistic regression model adjusting for multiple variables was used to examine factors associated with women who underwent a screening mammography within the last three years. Women more likely to be screened were 45 to 50 years of age (vs 35-40 years of age: adjusted OR 8.9, 95% CI: 7.2 to 11.2), had higher educational level (adjusted OR 1.3, 95% CI: 1.1 to 1.5), had family history of breast cancer (adjusted OR 2.7, 95% CI: 2.1 to 3.4), and used routine gynecologic care (adjusted OR 1.9, 95% CI: 1.6 to 2.4).
Conclusion: Individual screening by mammography very often occurs after 40 years, Such behaviors may lead public health professionals to question current recommendations for breast cancer mass screening in women 50 years of age and older.