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Detection of Architectural Distortion in Prior Mammograms via Analysis of Oriented Patterns
Published on: August 30, 2013
Changes in the availability of screening mammography, 2000-2010
Elena B Elkin1, Coral L Atoria, Nicole Leoce
1Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.
Cancer
|August 15, 2013
Summary
Mammography machine availability decreased significantly nationwide between 2000 and 2010, particularly in areas with higher uninsured and less educated populations. This decline in mammography services may contribute to disparities in breast cancer screening rates.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Services Research
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Screening mammography rates have stagnated.
- The number of mammography facilities has decreased over the last decade.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess changes in mammography service availability over time.
- To examine geographic disparities in mammography access.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the US Food and Drug Administration and US Census.
- Defined county-level mammography capacity as machines per 10,000 women aged 40+.
- Analyzed cross-sectional variation and longitudinal changes in capacity relative to county characteristics.
Main Results:
- From 2000 to 2010, mammography facilities and machines declined by 10%.
- Median county mammography capacity decreased by nearly 20%.
- Lower capacity was linked to higher uninsured rates, lower education, greater population density, and increased managed care; higher capacity associated with more hospital beds. Declines were associated with population aging, poverty, and increased managed care, while rurality was linked to capacity increase.
Conclusions:
- Mammography capacity changes are tied to demographic, socioeconomic, and healthcare market factors.
- Uneven distribution of mammography resources likely contributes to disparities in screening rates.
