Many Women Struggle to Receive Lifesaving Screening Mammograms

At RadNet and Breastlink, we have always emphasized the importance of regular screening mammograms for a long and healthy life. Afterall, studies have long shown that when it comes to breast cancer, early detection is the key to survival. However, a new study conducted by the CDC shows that many women are forgoing mammograms altogether, with only about 65% of women between the ages of 50 - 74 staying up-to-date on their exams. With so much data pointing to the importance of finding breast cancer as early as possible, what’s causing so many women to miss out on potentially life-saving care? Key findings show the problem could be a myriad of health-related social issues that many women face every day. 

Health-related social issues, sometimes called “social determinants of health,” are defined as any adverse social conditions that can be barriers to someone’s health or healthcare. These can include things like food insecurity, lack of access to reliable transportation, or overall dissatisfaction with life. In the recent study conducted by the CDC, researchers analyzed data from the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, and found that the more health-related social issues a woman faces, the less likely she is to get a mammogram.1

"We know that 1 in 3 women eligible to be screened for breast cancer are not undergoing routine screening for a variety of social determinants of health,” says Dr. Jason McKellop, Medical Director at Breastlink Tarzana. “This undoubtedly contributes a sizeable proportion of the 40,000 lives lost due to breast cancer,” he continues. “As a society, and medical community, we must do better to combat the adverse social conditions that are a barrier to women getting screening mammography.”

Currently, the American Cancer Society recommends that all women begin having screening mammograms at age 40 and like physicians at RadNet and Breastlink, they recommend that women continue screening every year.2 Dr. McKellop reiterates the importance of screening mammograms, "The incidence of breast cancer has been steadily rising over time.  Fortunately, we have a really effective screening modality that is proven to save lives.  In fact, when used effectively, routine screening mammography lowers the rate of breast cancer mortality by up to 40%."

Despite the many social barriers facing women today, the importance of screening mammograms for breast cancer cannot be overstated. RadNet and Breastlink offer a wide range of breast screening services, and we are committed to ensuring that all women have access to this care. If you or someone you know needs a mammogram but is struggling to find a way to get one, there are organizations that can help. The first place to turn is the American Cancer Society. Visit www.cancer.org to find out more.  RadNet and Breastlink also have screening mobile mammography coaches which are on the road throughout California and Arizona, fully equipped with state-of-the-art mammography equipment. Visit https://breastlink.com/services/mobile-mammography for more information. The first step is scheduling your mammogram to ensure a long, safe, and healthy life. 

Souces:

1. https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/s0409-vs-mammography.html#:~:text=A%20new%20CDC%20Vital%20Signs,to%20reduce%20breast%20cancer%20deaths 
2. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/screening-tests-and-early-detection/american-cancer-society-recommendations-for-the-early-detection-of-breast-cancer.html#:~:text=Women%20between%2040%20and%2044,choose%20to%20continue%20yearly%20mammograms.