Mobile Mammography in Underserved Populations: Analysis of Outcomes of 3,923 Women

Abstract

Mobile health units are increasingly utilized to address barriers to mammography screening. Despite the existence of mobile mammography outreach throughout the US, there is a paucity of data describing the populations served by mobile units and the ability of these programs to reach underserved populations, address disparities, and report on outcomes of screening performance. To evaluate the association of variables associated with outcomes for women undergoing breast cancer screening and clinical evaluation on a mobile unit. Retrospective analysis of women undergoing mammography screening during the period 2008–2010. Logistic regression was fitted using generalized estimating equations to account for potential repeat annual visits to the mobile unit. In total, 4,543 mammograms and/or clinical breast exams were conducted on 3,923 women with a mean age of 54.6, 29 % of whom had either never been screened or had not had a screening in 5 years. Age < 50 years, lack of insurance, Hispanic ethnicity, current smoking, or having a family relative (<50 years of age) with a diagnosis of cancer were associated with increased odds of a suspicious mammogram finding (BIRADS 4,5,6). Thirty-one breast cancers were detected. The mobile outreach initiative successfully engaged many women who had not had a recent mammogram. Lack of insurance and current smoking were modifiable variables associated with abnormal screens requiring follow up.

Factors Associated with Underscreening for Cervical Cancer among Women in Canada

“…New efforts are required to identify those least likely to have histories consistent with current screening recommendations and to find ways of encouraging and enabling these women to be tested. For example, among those who do not have a regular physician or have experience barriers to accessing care, services can be brought to them through mobile screening units (Brooks et al, 2013). Additionally, the findings from this study have potential implications for physicians and other health care providers.…”

Comparison of Mammography in Combination with Breast Ultrasonography Versus Mammography Alone for Breast Cancer Screening in Asymptomatic Women

“…Providing mobile mammography services with community organizations, can be effective in increasing access and decreasing barriers to screening hard-to-reach populations. On-site mammography at community-based sites where women gather is an effective method for increasing breast cancer screening rates among underserved women (Brooks et al, 2013;Fontenoy et al, 2013). In our institute, National Cancer Institute, we have mobile mammography service team which includes advanced practice staffs, workers and technical support staffs.…”

“…In our institute, National Cancer Institute, we have mobile mammography service team which includes advanced practice staffs, workers and technical support staffs. However, commonly raised concerns about mobile mammography include quality control, cost-effectiveness (Brooks et al, 2013), and in our country; lacking of radiologists. As mentioned earlier, to do mammography plus ultrasound, an abnormality must be perceived while ultrasound scanning for it to be documented.…”

Mobile Mammography Unit Utilization: Perceptions and Interests Among African American Women

“…Likewise, being stationed in highly accessible and influential locations (e.g., community centers, shopping centers and churches) also facilitate heightened levels of engagement [15]. Additionally, many services are provided free of charge or on a sliding fee scale to underwrite payment for screening and follow-up [16]. However, to the authors' knowledge, there is no published literature in PubMed specifically related to community opinion regarding efficacy of MMU screening equipment.…”