Physician knowledge of and adherence to the revised breast cancer screening guidelines by the United States Preventive Services Task Force.

Abstract

We sought to assess knowledge and adherence to the revised US Preventive Services Task Force breast cancer screening guidelines among gynecologic care providers. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study based on a survey conducted among gynecologic care providers. Forty providers completed the survey (80%). In response to the statement "The current recommended age to initiate breast cancer screening is … .," 48.7% of providers responded in accordance with revised guidelines. For the statement "Women between the age of 50 and 74 years old are recommended to have screening mammography," 46.2% of respondents answered in accordance. In response to the statement "The United States Preventative Services Task Force recommends teaching breast self-examination," 71.8% of providers responded in accordance. A total of 37 respondents (92.5%) stated that they were aware of the revised guidelines, but 17 (42.4%) stated that they were applicable to their patient population. Knowledge of the revised guidelines appeared to be relatively low in our provider sample.