Mobile mammography in New York City: analysis of 32,350 women utilizing a screening mammogram program

Astrid Botty Van Den Bruele,Maxine Jochelson,Varadan Sevilimedu,Silvia Formenti,Larry Norton,Virgilio Sacchini

doi:10.1038/s41523-022-00381-6

Astrid Botty Van Den Bruele, Maxine Jochelson + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41523-022-00381-6

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Abstract

Mobile mammography vans (mammovans) may help close the gap to access of breast cancer screening by providing resources to underserved communities. Minimal data exists on the populations served, the ability of mammovans to reach underserved populations, and the outcomes of participants. We sought to determine the demographic characteristics, number of breast cancers diagnosed, and number of women who used the American Italian Cancer Foundation (AICF) Mobile, No-Cost Breast Cancer Screening Program within the five boroughs of New York City. Data were collected by the AICF from 2014 to 2019 on a voluntary basis from participants at each screening location. Women aged 40 to 79 years who had not had a mammogram in the previous 12 months were invited to participate. Each participant underwent a clinical breast exam by a nurse practitioner followed by a screening mammogram. Images were read by a board-certified radiologist contracted by the AICF from Multi Diagnostic Services. There were 32,350 participants in this study. Sixty-three percent reported an annual household income ≤$25,000, and 30% did not have health insurance. More than half of participants identified as either African American (28%) or Hispanic (27%). Additional testing was performed for 5359 women found to have abnormal results on screening. In total, 68 cases of breast cancer were detected. Breast cancer disparities are multifactorial, with the greatest factor being limited access to care. Mobile, no-cost mammogram screening programs show great promise in helping to close the gap to screening access.

Highlights

Breast cancer stage and tumor biology are two of the most important drivers of disease-specific cancer outcomes
A wealth of literature has demonstrated that regular screening mammography increases the likelihood of avoiding death from breast cancer[8]
There were 32,350 women who participated in the American Italian Cancer Foundation (AICF) Mobile, No-Cost Breast Cancer Screening Program from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2019 (Fig. 1)

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Breast cancer stage and tumor biology are two of the most important drivers of disease-specific cancer outcomes. Aggressive action has been taken to improve health care services[14], and, in conjunction with existing governmental programs, several nonprofit organizations have emerged to provide additional aid to communities within New York State. One such organization, the American Italian Cancer Foundation (AICF), has a long tradition of serving economically disadvantaged, medically underserved women through outreach and education[15]. The AICF Mobile, No-Cost Breast Cancer Screening Program provides mammography screening vans to the five boroughs of New York City: Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island, and the Bronx.

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