Date of Award

12-2005

Document Type

Independent Study

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Abstract

The North Dakota Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, Women's Way, is a state program funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The goal of the program is to reduce morbidity and mortality from breast and cervical cancer by increasing education, promoting early detection and providing screening among low-income, underserved, high-risk and minority women in North Dakota. Mammography and Pap tests have been underused by women who are low-income, have no health insurance, have no regular source of healthcare, have no access to the screening tests, who are of ethnic minority, and who are recent immigrants. Breast and cervical cancer screening data from the CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) was analyzed for a specific group of female respondents to determine mammography and Pap test rates for North Dakota women ages 50 to 64. Disparate subpopulations were identified and the data analyzed in response to several research questions. This study sought to identify if screening rates for breast and cervical cancer have increased among eligible women since the implementation of Women's Way in 1997. In response to the primary research question, study outcomes indicate that amongst eligible women in North Dakota, there has not been an increase in screening rates for breast and cervical cancer. Results of the study also suggest that there has not been an increase in mammography screening rates among 50 to 64 year old women at less than 200 percent Federal Poverty Level FPL). Results also indicate a slight but not significant increase in mammography rates for 50 to 64 year old women of any income. Further study results show an increase in Pap test rates for both groups of women - those at less than 200 percent FPL and the All Income category. Due to data limitations, none of the findings in the study were statistically significant. National goals emphasize maintaining the already high screening levels in the female population as a whole, as well as increasing screening rates among subpopulations who are less likely to be screened. Initiatives such as Women's Way need to continue to assist with the overall goals. The program should continue to measure its affect on screening rates.

Since its statewide implementation in 1997, has Women's Way achieved its goal of increasing breast and cervical cancer screening rates among its potentially eligible women? This question is the basis of a study described in the following paper

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