Variability in the timing of repeat screening mammography.

BACKGROUND

Although numerous studies have examined repeat mammography, they provide limited information about actual patterns of women's behavior over time.

METHODS

In this study, 128 asymptomatic women ages 50 to 75 who had had their first mammograms 15 to 27 months previously were interviewed to determine rates of repeat mammography. Eighty-six of these women were HMO members; the remaining 42 were nonmembers.

RESULTS

In both subpopulations, repeat mammography rates were low among women interviewed less than 21 months after their first mammogram, but much higher among those interviewed 21 months or more afterward.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that waiting up to 2 years to have a second mammogram may be at least as common a choice as having it after 1 year. It is of particular interest that this was found in a population of HMO members who receive reminders and vouchers for free mammograms annually.