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Truven Health Analytics-NPR Health Poll Finds Majority of Women Believe They Should Have an Annual MammogramFifty-seven percent of American women believe they should receive a mammogram annually, according to the Truven Health Analytics-NPR (News - Alert) Health Poll. However, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) issued guidance earlier this year which suggested that women should get a mammogram every two years starting at age 50, provided they do not have a family history or find a lump. Truven Health Analytics™ and NPR conduct a bimonthly poll to gauge attitudes and opinions on a wide range of health issues. The latest survey asked respondents to share their views and experiences with mammograms. The results found that 38 percent of American women have had a mammogram in the last year. Among women who did not undergo the screening in the past year, various reasons were given for why. The most frequently cited (24 percent) was that they were either too old, too young, or the test didn't apply to them. Among those citing age, most were outside the USPSTF target group with just 1.6 percent within that 50-74 age range. Other reasons cited for foregoing the screening included "do not need one" (15 percent), "doctor did not recommend" (12 percent), "no time," (10 percent), and "elected not to have" (9 percent). "The proper evaluation and treatment of localized breast cancer is an area of active research. The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends biennial breast cancer screening with mammography in all average risk women between the ages of 50-74," said Michael Taylor, M.D., Chief Medical Officer at Truven Health Analytics. "With the Affordable Care Act mandating that insurers provide screening mammograms at no additional charge, patients have no reason not to be diligent about receiving a regular screening." Twelve percent of respondents said they believe the screening i only necessary every two years, as recommended by the USPSTF; more than half (57 percent) said they think they should undergo a mammograms annually. These results suggest that the new guidelines have not yet been fully absorbed by the general public. Overall, 48 percent of respondents said they were aware of the ACA provision that requires mammograms for no additional charge. To date, the Truven Health Analytics-NPR Health Poll has explored numerous health topics, including generic drugs, vaccines, data privacy, narcotic painkillers and sports-related concussions. NPR's reports on the surveys are archived online at the Shots health blog here. Truven Health Analytics maintains a library of poll results here. The Truven Health Analytics-NPR Health Poll is powered by the Truven Health PULSE® Healthcare Survey, the nation's largest and longest-running independently funded, nationally representative multi-modal poll that collects information about health-related behaviors and attitudes and healthcare utilization from 82,000 US households annually. Survey questions are developed in conjunction with NPR. The figures in this month's poll are based on 3,009 participants interviewed from June 1-29, 2015. The margin of error is 1.8 percent. About Truven Health Analytics Truven Health Analytics delivers the answers that clients need to improve healthcare quality and access while reducing costs. We provide market-leading performance improvement solutions built on data integrity, advanced analytics, and domain expertise. For more than 40 years, our insights and solutions have been providing hospitals and clinicians, employers and health plans, state and federal government agencies, life sciences companies, and policymakers the facts they need to make confident decisions that directly affect the health and well-being of people and organizations in the U.S. and around the world. Truven Health Analytics owns some of the most trusted brands in healthcare, such as MarketScan®, 100 Top Hospitals®, Advantage Suite®, Micromedex®, Simpler, ActionOI®, Heartbeat Experts and JWA. Truven Health has its principal offices in Ann Arbor, Mich.; Chicago; and Denver. For more information, please visit truvenhealth.com About NPR NPR is an award-winning, multimedia news organization and an influential force in American life. In collaboration with more than 900 independent public radio stations nationwide, NPR strives to create a more informed public - one challenged and invigorated by a deeper understanding and appreciation of events, ideas and cultures.
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