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Year:: 2023
Contributor:: Farnham, Markaila (Creator)
Subject:: health literacy; mammography; Breast Cancer; mammographic screening
DOI: https://doi.org/10.26300/znkc-6061

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Abstract:: Author: Markaila Farnham, Brown University ScM in Medical Sciences Mentors: 1. Nicholas Lutzel and 2. Dr. Therese Zink Affiliations: 1. Comprehensive Community Action Program 2. Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University Background Studies in Rhode Island have shown that widespread mammographic screening has been associated with a 57% decrease in disease-specific mortality between 1987 and 2017. Comprehensive Community Action Program (CCAP) aims to reduce ethnic/racial and socioeconomic disparities in access to mammographic screening. There is speculation that individuals who are not timely with screening have lower health literacy scores, which may correspond with general socioeconomic status. Objective Measure functional understanding of breast cancer among CCAP patients eligible for mammography according to USPSTF guidelines and identify access barriers. Methods Initial population included women 52-74 years of age by the end of the measurement period (1/2022-12/2022) with a visit during the measurement period. Women assigned value of “Pass” or “Fail” for completing or not completing mammogram since 10/2019. Patients were contacted by phone, and if they agreed to participate, consented, and were given a verbal health literacy assessment. Instrument: Breast Cancer Literacy Assessment Tool (B-CLAT), 34 questions, plus inquired about 1) Participants’ observed barriers to completing breast cancer screening and 2) Possible areas of improvement regarding clinician-to-patient education about breast cancer. Results Phone Survey 39 surveys were completed, yielding a response rate of 19.5%. 75% over age 58 years, predominantly white, English speaking, 56% with more than high school education. Patients who “Passed” the measure typically answered more questions from the B-CLAT correctly. A common theme among patient feedback included wanting more education about breast cancer risk factors. Conclusion/Discussion Given available data, CCAP’s patient education about breast cancer could be improved concerning 1) protective/risk factors and 2) how to help family/friends access low-cost breast cancer screening programs. A phone survey does not reach the diverse sample of patients CCAP serves. To improve equitable access to breast cancer screening services, CCAP’s next steps should consider other methods of outreach to women facing access barriers.

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Farnham, Markaila, "Breast Cancer Health Literacy and Barriers to Mammography in a Stratified Cohort of Comprehensive Community Action Program Patients" (2023). Gateways to Medicine, Health Care, and Research. Brown Digital Repository. Brown University Library. https://doi.org/10.26300/znkc-6061

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Gateways to Medicine, Health Care, and Research

The Gateways Program at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University provides academically promising, motivated students new pathways to careers in the health sciences. This collection houses scholarly works produced by Master of Science in Medical Sciences (ScM) students …
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Breast Cancer Health Literacy and Barriers to Mammography in a Stratified Cohort of Comprehensive Community Action Program Patients