The Impact of Access, Socioeconomic Status, and Education, on Breast Cancer Screening in Boston, MA

In Boston Massachusetts, Black and White women aged 50-74, experience limited access to breast cancer screening. The purpose of this quantitative study was to investigate whether there is a correlation between breast cancer screening access to personal healthcare providers among Black and White women, aged 50- 74, in Boston, MA. The study focused on whether there was a correlation between breast cancer screening access and socioeconomic status among women, and whether a correlation existed between breast cancer screening and their educational levels. The study was informed by the health belief psychological framework. The study consisted of secondary data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System with a sample size of n =1815, 18 years and above. Exclusion criteria consisted of adults under age 40, women above age 74 diagnosed with cancer, and had mastectomies previously. A chi square test examined the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. The key results showed a significant relation between race and access to healthcare providers. The study also found a significant relationship between low income levels and limited access. The study results portrayed a nonsignificant relationship between breast cancer screening and educational levels among black and white women. The results concluded that access to healthcare providers was significant among the races as well as their income levels. The study contributes to social change by promoting awareness through education of individuals, communities, organizations and the society at large