CONCLUSION
The health beliefs and health practices of AA women in regard to breast cancer screening have been shown to be extremely complex. Numerous studies have attempted to address this issue but to no avail; their conflicting results have only added to the confusion. The findings of this study alone will not provide the sought-after answers but they may provide insight into AA women's health practices, beliefs, perceived barriers such as fear, perceived risk, and fatalistic attitudes-a better understanding of which is the key to improving their participation in breast cancer screening and health maintenance activities. An increased awareness and understanding of facilitators and barriers to breast cancer screening can assist health care providers in not only addressing these issues but also in the development of culturally sensitive and appropriate educational interventions tailored for AA women. This combination may lead to an increase in the performance of BSE, thus a decrease in breast cancer mortality rates in AA women and other minorities.