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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in the United States, specifically women over 50 years old. Survival rates for breast cancer have significantly increased over the past half-century, most likely due to continuous improvements in medical technology that have enabled early detection and treatment, as well as community members and organizations raising funds to support research (National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.). However, the impact of the disease is not equal due to the incidence of breast cancer among younger women and disproportionately impacting women of various racial and ethnic backgrounds (Adams et al., 2012) (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
Mammography screening is essential for all women, regardless of race, ethnicity, or risk of breast cancer. However, some women are less likely than others to get mammograms due to barriers that impact adequate access to screening. The social determinants of health, such as poverty, lack of education, health insurance, social isolation, and neighborhood disadvantage, significantly impact breast cancer risk and breast cancer screening (Coughlin, 2019).
With early detection being a critical factor in the successful treatment of cancer and mammogram screening being a vital tool, there is a need to address contextual barriers that patients may face. Implementing prevention strategies that target women in the community that lacks adequate insurance to cover mammograms and policies to improve access to adequate cancer care should be at the forefront of breast cancer screening initiatives.
To learn more about breast cancer screening disparities in the U.S. please follow the link below!
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