Access to mammography screening in a large urban population: a multi-level analysis

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Disparities
• Medical Sociology

Background:

• Previous research indicated geographic disparities in late-stage breast cancer diagnosis among Latinas in Los Angeles County.
• Understanding sociodemographic and community factors influencing mammography use is crucial for addressing health inequities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate area-based sociodemographics, physician characteristics, and community indicators associated with mammography use in Los Angeles County.
• Specifically, to examine if Latinas exhibit lower mammography screening rates.

Main Methods:

• A multi-level spatial modeling approach was employed, integrating data from surveys, facility registries, transit data, census data, and physician surveys.
• The study analyzed mammography use among diverse women aged 40-84 years in Los Angeles County.

Main Results:

• Mammography use was higher in neighborhoods with a greater density of mammography facilities.
• Unexpectedly, women with limited English proficiency, predominantly Latina, were significantly more likely to have undergone recent mammography compared to English-proficient women.

Conclusions:

• Intensive, targeted Spanish-language outreach programs, such as Every Woman Counts (EWC), appear effective in increasing mammography rates among low-income Latina communities.
• The findings highlight the success of community-based outreach in improving screening for underserved populations.
• Further research is recommended to determine if increased mammography rates have led to a reduction in late-stage breast cancer diagnoses among Latinas.