Lower rates for breast cancer screening persist among low income and uninsured women. Although Medicare and many other insurance plans would pay for screening mammograms done during hospital stays, breast cancer screening has not been part of usual hospital care. This study explores the mean amount of money that hospitalized women were willing to contribute towards the cost of a screening mammogram. Of the 193 enrolled patients, 72% were willing to pay a mean of $83.41 (95% CI, $71.51–$95.31) in advance towards inpatient screening mammogram costs. The study’s findings suggest that hospitalized women value the prospect of screening mammography during the hospitalization. It may be wise policy to offer mammograms to nonadherent hospitalized women, especially those who are at high risk for developing breast cancer.

Lower rates for breast cancer screening persist among low income and uninsured women. Although Medicare and many other insurance plans would pay for screening mammograms done during hospital stays, breast cancer screening has not been part of usual hospital care. This study explores the mean amount of money that hospitalized women were willing to contribute towards the cost of a screening mammogram. Of the 193 enrolled patients, 72% were willing to pay a mean of $83.41 (95% CI, $71.51-$95.31) in advance towards inpatient screening mammogram costs. The study's findings suggest that hospitalized women value the prospect of screening mammography during the hospitalization. It may be wise policy to offer mammograms to nonadherent hospitalized women, especially those who are at high risk for developing breast cancer.

Disparities in screening mammography use persists among low income women, even those who are insured, despite the proven mortality benefit. A recent study reported that more than a third of hospitalized women were non-adherent with breast cancer screening. The current study explores prevalence of socio-demographic and clinical variables associated with non-adherence to screening mammography recommendations among hospitalized women. A cross sectional bedside survey was conducted to collect socio-demographic and clinical comorbidity data thought to effect breast cancer screening adherence of hospitalized women aged 50–75 years. Logistic regression models were used to assess the association between these factors and non-adherence to screening mammography. Of 250 enrolled women, 61% were of low income, and 42% reported non-adherence to screening guidelines. After adjustment for socio-demographic and clinical predictors, three variables were found to be independently associated with non-adherence to breast cancer screening: low income (OR = 3.81, 95%CI; 1.84–7.89), current or ex-smoker (OR = 2.29, 95%CI; 1.12–4.67), and history of stroke (OR = 2.83, 95%CI; 1.21–6.60). By contrast, hospitalized women with diabetes were more likely to be compliant with breast cancer screening (OR = 2.70, 95%CI 1.35–5.34). Because hospitalization creates the scenario wherein patients are in close proximity to healthcare resources, at a time when they may be reflecting upon their health status, strategies could be employed to counsel, educate, and motivate these patients towards health maintenance. Capitalizing on this opportunity would involve offering screening during hospitalization for those who are overdue, particularly for those who are at higher risk of disease.

Efforts to increase mammographic screening for early detection of breast cancer among women of lower socioeconomic class and ethnic minorities have been largely unsuccessful. This study explores the receptivity of hospitalized women to inpatient mammography as a novel approach to enhance breast cancer screening. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 210 hospitalized women, aged 50-75 years, admitted to the medicine services at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center in early 2012. Unpaired t-test and Chi-square tests were used to compare characteristics, barriers, and receptivity to inpatient mammography among women adherent and non-adherent to screening guidelines. One-third of women enrolled were African American, and 60% of study participants reported an annual household income of <$20,000. Thirty-nine percent were overdue for screening, of which, 13% never had a mammogram and 28% were at high risk for breast cancer (Gail score ≥1.7%). The commonly reported barriers to screening mammograms were failure to remember appointments and lack of transportation. Most women (91%) believed that it is important for healthcare providers to discuss breast cancer screening while patients are in the hospital. Sixty-eight percent of non-adherent women would agree to have an inpatient screening mammogram if it was due and offered. A significant number of hospitalized women from lower socioeconomic class are at high risk of developing breast cancer and non-adherent to mammographic screening. Inpatient hospital stay may be a feasible time for screening and education to ensure adequate breast care and promote screening among these women.

Background: Barriers to colorectal cancer screening persist despite screening campaigns, especially among women. This study explores the prevalence, preferences, and barriers associated with colorectal cancer screening and evaluates the effect of an inpatient intervention (one-on-one bedside education and handout about colorectal cancer) on screening adherence among hospitalized women. Methods: A prospective intervention study among 510 hospitalized women, who are cancer-free (except for skin cancer) at enrollment, aged between 50 and 75 years was conducted at an academic center. Socio-demographic, family history, and medical comorbidities data were collected for all patients. A post-hospitalization follow-up survey determined the effect of inpatient intervention on colorectal cancer screening adherence. Unpaired t-test and chi-square tests were used to compare characteristics, perspectives, and preferences for screening among adherent and non-adherent groups. Results: Mean age was 60.5 years, 45% reported an annual household income of <$20 000, 36% of women were African American, 27% of women were overdue for colorectal cancer screening, and 33% never had a screening colonoscopy. The most frequently reported barriers to colorectal cancer screening were “I have other problems more important than getting a colonoscopy,” “No transportation to get to the test,” and “Not counseled by primary care provider.” Sixty-six percent of the non-adherent women would agree to have an inpatient screening colonoscopy if offered. Conclusion: A significant number of hospitalized women are non-adherent to colorectal cancer screening, while the educational intervention was partially successful in enhancing colorectal cancer screening, most hospitalized women remained non-adherent after hospitalization. A majority of these women were amenable to inpatient screening colonoscopy if offered during a hospital stay Cite this article as: Graham H, Kauffman R, Khaliq W. Colorectal cancer screening prevalence, perceived barriers, and preference for screening colonoscopy among hospitalized women. Turk J Gastroenterol. 2022;33(11):901-908.