Table 2.

Content Areas and Themes in Women's Decision-making Process Regarding Screening Mammography

Content Areas	Themes
Intentions for screening	Universal intentions for screening
	Screening intervals not clear
Motivating factors
Role of age 40	Following recommendations
	Body changes associated with age
	Suspicions of screening controversy
Media	Source of recommendation for screening
	Source of information about breast cancer risk
	Favorable view of screening mammography
Others with breast cancer	Poignant images of young, deceased women
	Vulnerability, fear
Medical providers	Source of recommendation for screening
	Limited source of information
	Provider characteristics may be a factor
Psychosocial factors	Self-efficacy, personal responsibility
	Peace of mind
	Proactive attitude
Other factors	Prior breast symptoms somewhat important
	Family history generally not important
	Cost of mammography not important
Attitudes toward screening mammography	Valuable tool for early detection
	“Better knowing that something is there”
	Need to reach out to African-American and poor communities
	Benefits to those 40 and older
	Younger women may benefit from screening
	No risks associated with mammography
	False-positives don't affect future behaviors
Attitudes toward breast cancer	Disease is prevalent
	Risk factors not always present
	Fear of disease
	Screening reduces risk of death
Screening decision-making process
Adequacy of information	Many were not adequately informed
Preferred source of information	Medical provider
Information desired	Procedure related
Preferred role in decision making	Risks of false-positives and consequences
	Preferences varied