Data Definition and Methodology: This measure shows the percentage of females aged 50 to 74 who reported receiving a mammogram within the past two years.

Data for this measure was obtained from the Maryland Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), an ongoing telephone-based chronic disease surveillance program designed to collect data on the behaviors and conditions that place Maryland adults at risk for chronic diseases, injuries, and preventable infectious diseases. Maryland BRFSS also collects information on health care access and health disparities. The typical sample size is approximately 15,000 non-institutionalized Maryland residents age 18 and older per year.

Public Health Significance: Finding breast cancer early can help prevent breast cancer deaths in women. When women don’t get screened, more women with breast cancer may be diagnosed at a later stage and die of the disease. Increasing breast cancer screening rates is key to reducing breast cancer deaths. The US Preventive Services Task Force now recommends that women who are 40 to 74 years old and are at average risk for breast cancer get a mammogram every 2 years.

Additional Resources:

• CDC Breast Cancer Screening
• CDC BRFSS Data
• Healthy People 2030