Top 5 Takeaways

1. Link between SDOH, HRSNs, and Mammography: Women experiencing more adverse Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) and Health-Related Social Needs (HRSNs) reported lower mammography use, highlighting significant barriers to accessing critical breast cancer screening services.
2. Impact of Specific Adverse Factors: Key factors like social isolation, life dissatisfaction, and cost barriers strongly correlated with decreased mammography use, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions.
3. Variability Across States: There was notable variability in mammography usage across different states, with state-level rates ranging from 64.0% to 85.5% among women aged 50–74, suggesting regional disparities in access to and utilization of mammography services.
4. Insurance and Healthcare Provider Influence: Having health insurance and a personal health care provider were pivotal in higher mammography rates, indicating critical areas for public health intervention to improve screening rates.
5. Public Health Implications: Coordinating efforts among healthcare providers, social services, and community organizations could enhance service delivery and address the barriers posed by SDOH and HRSNs, potentially reducing breast cancer mortality.

Original Article Author and Citation

Corresponding Author

Jacqueline W. Miller, MD – aci8@cdc.gov

Suggested Citation

Miller JW, King JA, Trivers KF, et al. Vital Signs: Mammography Use and Association with Social Determinants of Health and Health-Related Social Needs Among Women — United States, 2022. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2024;73:351-357. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7315e1

Summary

The study highlights the impact of adverse SDOH and HRSNs on mammography use among U.S. women. With breast cancer as a leading cause of death, identifying and mitigating these social and health barriers could be key to improving early detection through mammography.

Methods

Data were analyzed from the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, focusing on women aged 40–74 across various states. The study examined the association between mammography use and different SDOH and HRSNs through logistic regression models.

Discussion

This analysis identifies significant associations between lower mammography usage and adverse SDOH and HRSNs such as social isolation and financial barriers. Addressing these issues could lead to increased screening rates and earlier breast cancer detection.

Conclusion

Enhancing mammography use involves addressing both medical and social barriers. Policies that integrate healthcare provision with social support could potentially lead to more equitable health outcomes and decrease breast cancer-related mortality.

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