Screening mammography for early detection of breast cancer has been shown to be an effective method for reducing mortality in older women. Based on the results from the 1987-88 National Health Interview Survey, older minority women have low prevalence rates of screening mammography. Among women aged 75 and older, 83.5% of Black women, 93.2% of Hispanic women, and 75.0% of White women have never had a mammogram. On the average, about 12% of minority women over the age of 65 have had a screening mammogram within the preceding year, compared with about 15% of White women. Among women 75 + years of age, Black and Hispanic women had markedly lower rates of clinical breast examination in the last year (23.4% and 20.5% respectively) as compared to White women (35.2%). The most common reason for not having a mammogram among Black women 65 years of age and older was that the doctor did not recommend a mammogram. For Hispanic and White women in this age group, the most common reason was that a mammogram was not needed or not necessary. Aggressive and creative breast cancer screening activities for minority aged 65 and older are clearly indicated.