Abstract
Research suggests that communication of mammogram results is flawed for many low-income ethnic minority women. This study conducted four focus groups with low-income inner-city minority women (n = 34). The goals of our project were: (1) to elucidate women's experiences learning of their result; (2) to elicit their preferences as to how this communication could be improved; and (3) to gather information to help inform the development of a new tool for communicating mammogram results. Salient themes included dissatisfaction with result communication; difficulty elucidating the meaning of a typical results notification letter; a preference for direct verbal communication of results and for print materials that included pictures, testimonials, and an action plan including a hotline to call with questions; and a strong interest in advance education about the likelihood of having to return for additional follow up. Video and other programs to inform patients before the test about what happens after may improve patient satisfaction and enhance women's understanding of their personal result and follow up plan.
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Acknowledgments
The authors thank Marsha Stevens, Dorothy Parker, and Martha Gonzalez of the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center Disparities and Community Outreach Core for their indispensible help with this project. We also thank W. Jarrard Goodwin, Ada Patricia Romilly, Margaret Byrne, Gail Haldeman, and the staff of the Jackson Memorial Hospital/Taylor Breast Health Center for their support. Dr. Marcus receives salary support from the American Cancer Society (CCCDA 09-216-01) and the Ford Foundation (1095–0885). Dr. Dietz receives salary support from the James and Esther King Biomedical Research Foundation, the Flight Attendant Medical Research Institute, and the US Department of Defense.
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Marcus, E.N., Drummond, D. & Dietz, N. Urban Women’s Preferences for Learning of Their Mammogram Result: A Qualitative Study. J Canc Educ 27, 156–164 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-011-0284-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-011-0284-1