The survey asked what percentage of women over age 40 had a mammogram in the appropriate time recommended by the American Cancer Society (within the past two years for women age 40 to 49; within the past year for women age 50+). The ACS also maintains resources related to mammography, breast cancer and related topics.

The described rate for mammography improved for the area from 65% in 1995 to 75% in 2000. The survey results are consistent with the HRSA Community Health Status Indicators Project reports which show that, for many counties in the surveyed area, the rates of death due to breast cancer are better than those in similar counties across the country and in the nation as a whole.

Uninsured and under-insured women and women with fewer years of formal education are less likely to have had a mammogram within the suggested time periods. To improve the overall rates further, barriers to access for these women will need to be reduced.