Healthcare cost and accessibility are not the sole hurdles impeding women from obtaining critical mammograms, as revealed by a recent government report. Researchers from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have identified a multitude of factors, including food insecurity, transportation limitations, reduced work hours, and feelings of isolation, contributing to the underutilization of breast cancer screening services.
Dr. Debra Houry, Chief Medical Officer at the CDC, emphasized the necessity of addressing these health-related social needs to facilitate women’s access to vital mammograms. With breast cancer claiming over 40,000 lives annually in the United States, mammogram screening stands as a pivotal tool in reducing mortality rates associated with the disease.
Analyzing data from the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, researchers found a direct correlation between the prevalence of health-related social needs and decreased likelihood of women undergoing mammograms. While healthcare cost emerged as the primary obstacle, other barriers such as lack of insurance, low income, and absence of regular healthcare providers also hindered mammography utilization.
Dr. Lisa Richardson, Director of the CDC’s Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, underscored the importance of comprehensively addressing the challenges women encounter in accessing mammograms. By evaluating women’s health-related social needs, healthcare providers can play a pivotal role in facilitating access to screening services, ensuring that every woman can undergo breast cancer screening without encountering barriers.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends biennial screening mammograms for women aged 50 to 74, with women aged 40 to 49 advised to consult with their healthcare provider regarding the optimal screening schedule.
Published in the CDC’s Vital Signs on April 9, the report emphasizes the imperative of collaborative efforts between healthcare, social services, community organizations, and public health entities to surmount barriers to breast cancer screening. By addressing these challenges holistically, healthcare stakeholders can enhance screening efforts and ultimately mitigate the devastating impact of breast cancer on families nationwide.
