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Review
. 2022 Apr 5;12(4):902.
doi: 10.3390/diagnostics12040902.

Mobile Mammography Services and Underserved Women

Usha Trivedi  1 , Toma S Omofoye  2 , Cindy Marquez  2 , Callie R Sullivan  2 , Diane M Benson  3 , Gary J Whitman  2
Affiliations
Review

Mobile Mammography Services and Underserved Women

Usha Trivedi et al. Diagnostics (Basel). .

Abstract

Breast cancer, the second most common cause of cancer in women, affects people across different ages, ethnicities, and incomes. However, while all women have some risk of breast cancer, studies have found that some populations are more vulnerable to poor breast cancer outcomes. Specifically, women with lower socioeconomic status and of Black and Hispanic ethnicity have been found to have more advanced stages of cancer upon diagnosis. These findings correlate with studies that have found decreased use of screening mammography services in these underserved populations. To alleviate these healthcare disparities, mobile mammography units are well positioned to provide convenient screening services to enable earlier detection of breast cancer. Mobile mammography services have been operating since the 1970s, and, in the current pandemic, they may be extremely helpful. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted necessary screening services, and reinstatement and implementation of accessible mobile screenings may help to alleviate the impact of missed screenings. This review discusses the history and benefits of mobile mammography, especially for underserved women.

Keywords: breast cancer; mammography; mobile mammography; public health; radiology; screenings.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

G.J.W. is an editor for UptoDate. G.J.W. is a consultant for Siemens.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
A mobile mammography van.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Interior of a mobile mammography van, with a mammography unit seen centrally.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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