Going the Distance: How Far Will Women Travel to Undergo Free Mammography?

This study examined the effect of travel distance on mammography facility choice, with mammography cost held constant. Women who were eligible to undergo free mammography at a military treatment facility (MTF) responded to a mail survey by indicating whether their last mammograms were performed at an MTF (for free) or at a civilian medical facility (for a fee). The distance from each respondent's home to the MTF was also recorded. Analyses indicated that a majority of the women who traveled to the MTF for a mammogram lived within 20 miles of the facility. Results of this study suggest that, even if mammography screening is offered free of charge, women may not use the service if they must travel more than 20 miles to receive it. Furthermore, any MTF trying to increase its TRI-CARE market share may want to focus its marketing efforts on individuals who live within a 20-mile radius.