Mobile mammography in underserved populations: Analysis of outcomes of 3,923 women

Sandra E. Brooks, Tina M. Hembree, Brent J. Shelton, Sydney C. Beache, Greta Aschbacher, Philip H. Schervish, Mark B. Dignan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

40 Scopus citations

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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)900-906
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Community Health
Volume38
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2013

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
Acknowledgments This project was funded in part with federal funds from the National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, under Contract No. HHSN261200800001E. The content of this publication does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of Health and Human Services, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

Keywords

  • Breast cancer
  • Disparities
  • Mobile mammography
  • Outcomes
  • Underserved populations

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health(social science)
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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