Functional Reach: Predictive Validity in a Sample of Elderly Male Veterans

Focus groups were used to explore a range of issues concerning breast cancer screening in elderly women and to contribute to defining a research agenda. Two groups consisted of women aged 65-75 and 75 and older, and one group consisted of primary care physicians. Predominant topic areas were women's awareness of breast cancer and screening information, attitudes and perceived barriers to screening (including those related to women themselves, to the health care system, and to physicians), issues related to relationships within the medical community, and opinions about and priorities for change.