A recent study published in Radiology reveals significant racial and ethnic disparities in access to timely breast cancer diagnostic services following abnormal screening mammograms. Despite the availability of same-day diagnostic services at many facilities, minority patients are less likely to receive these crucial follow-up examinations, potentially delaying cancer diagnoses and impacting treatment outcomes.
Researchers from the University of Washington analyzed data from over 3.5 million screening mammograms conducted on 1.1 million women across 136 U.S. facilities. The study found that approximately 66% of screening facilities offered same-day diagnostic services. However, racial and ethnic minority groups were less likely to receive standard-of-care diagnostic imaging after abnormal screening compared to white patients.
Asian, Black, and Hispanic/Latinx patients were less likely to receive diagnostic imaging on the same day as their abnormal mammogram. Additionally, Asian and Black patients were less likely to undergo advanced imaging techniques like digital breast tomosynthesis within 90 days of an abnormal screening.
Dr. Marissa B. Lawson, the study’s lead author, emphasized the substantial differences in service receipt by race, ethnicity, and neighborhood-level socioeconomic status, despite similar availability of diagnostic breast imaging services.
The disparities extended beyond race and ethnicity, with patients from lower-income neighborhoods experiencing reduced access to diagnostic services. These findings highlight the complex interplay between socioeconomic factors and healthcare access.
To address these disparities, researchers suggest potential interventions such as legislation requiring health insurance plans to cover diagnostic breast imaging without out-of-pocket costs and establishing patient navigation services to help arrange timely appointments.
This study underscores the urgent need for targeted efforts to improve access to timely breast cancer diagnostic services for minority and low-income populations, ultimately aiming to reduce health disparities and improve patient outcomes.
See: “Disparities in Standard-of-Care, Advanced, and Same-Day Diagnostic Services among Patients with Abnormal Screening Mammography” (February 18, 2025)
