Describing Elderly Women in Assisted Living’s Risk for Breast Cancer and Participation in Screening Behaviors

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to provide descriptive information on elderly women’s breast cancer risk and their level of participation in breast cancer screening behaviors. Ninety-two women participated in the study; the mean breast cancer risk for five years was 2.4, and the lifetime mean risk was 4.4. An elevated five-year risk is a value greater than 1.7. The participants’ also provided information on their breast cancer screening behaviors. The modal response for participation in obtaining a medical checkup with a physician was six months or less. The modal response for obtaining a clinical breast examination was six months or less. These elderly women indicated a high rate of adopting breast cancer screening activities. Breast sonographers and mammographers have a unique opportunity to raise awareness with their elderly patients about breast cancer. Advocating screening measures and patient education are needed to assist elderly women in managing risk.