The Role of Physician Involvement in Latinas’ Mammography Screening Adherence

BackgroundDisparities in breast cancer (BC) screening continue to affect Latinas significantly, but the factors that explain these disparities remain unclear.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate whether physician’s instruction on breast examination and mammography recommendations predicted Latinas’ adherence to mammography screening above and beyond other influential variables.MethodsA cross-sectional, descriptive design was utilized. Convenience and snowball sampling techniques were followed to recruit 344 Latinas aged 41 years and older from predominantly Latino neighborhoods in Denver, Colorado.Main Outcome MeasuresLatinas’ adherence to mammography screening recommendations by the American Cancer Society.ResultsCharacteristics that were significantly associated with mammography adherence were age, Pap smear adherence, physician’s breast examination instructions, and physician’s mammography recommendations.ConclusionThe study provides evidence that the BC screening disparities that significantly affect Latinas can be addressed by increasing physician’s involvement through BC screening instruction and referral.