In the United States, breast cancer has been established as the second most prevalent cancer among women (Centers for Disease Control [CDC], 2022a). There may be no symptoms present in the early stages of breast cancer and a low potential to spread during the early phases (World Health Organization [WHO], 2021). Mammography is the only test that has been shown to reduce deaths from breast cancer as it allows for early detection when cancer is in its most treatable stage improving survival and lessening the need for extensive treatment (American College of Radiology [ACR], n.d.). While the effectiveness of screening mammography in decreasing the risk of mortality has been proven, regular screening mammography is not achieved by all of those who are eligible (Jain et al., 2019).
Primary care providers play a distinctive role in the delivery of preventive care and early detection of cancer with provider recommendation being a consistent predictor of participation in cancer screening that includes mammography (Jain et al., 2019). The implementation of a provider prompt for mammography screening in the primary care setting assists providers in identifying women who need screening and improves their ability to provide recommendations and referrals for mammography that is essential to providing early detection resulting in early treatment and improved prognosis
