Adherence to Screening Guidelines for Breast and Cervical Cancer in Postmenopausal Women with Coronary Heart Disease: An Ancillary Study of Volunteers for HERS

Postmenopausal women with coronary heart disease (CHD) who volunteered for the Heart and Estrogen/Progestin Replacement Study (HERS) randomized clinical trial had high rates of gynecological abnormalities. We examined compliance with gynecological cancer screening and factors affecting this behavior. Women who met inclusion criteria for HERS and were seen for screening by the study gynecologist were considered eligible for this study. Data were abstracted from study records, and additional information was obtained by telephone questionnaire. Adherence to mammography, breast examination, pelvic examination, and Pap smear recommendations was assessed. Provider behavior and its effect on compliance were assessed. Compliance rates were 59.1% for monthly breast self-examination (BSE), 67.2% for yearly mammography, 73% for yearly Pap smear and pelvic examination, and 75.7% for provider breast examination. Over 50% of patients had most of their screening tests done within the last year. Provider behavior was sig...