Then and now: comparison of baseline breast cancer screening rates at 2 time intervals.

Background: Breast cancer is Asian American women's most frequently occurring cancer.

Methods: Asian American women completed breast cancer-related baseline surveys for 2 studies 5 years apart.

Results: Statistically significant and rapid improvements in knowledge and screening practices were seen between the 948 participants in the first study (1995) and the 1540 participants in the second study. This increase paralleled the reported climb in early detection rates among Asian American women.

Conclusions: The data document the achievement of a tipping point in breast cancer screening rates with culturally and linguistically focused education programs and increased access to screening among disadvantaged women.