Major
Biological Sciences
Advisor
Taylor, Cynthia
Advisor Department
Honors Program
Date
5-2024
Keywords
breast cancer; screenings; disparities; impact; barriers
Abstract
In the United States, 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. When detected early, breast cancer is among the most treatable cancers. Mammograms are considered one of the most important tools for early detection, however there are disparities in mammography screening. Those in marginalized communities, including people of color, low-income individuals, and others face heightened barriers to accessing timely screenings and diagnosis.
Prior to Covid-19 pandemic, Rhode Island ranked highest in national surveys of mammography rates, and had made significant strides in reducing screening disparities. This study asks: What impact did the Covid-19 pandemic have on preventative breast cancer screenings in the State of Rhode island? Utilizing cross-sectional data from CDC’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, I examine data on mammography rates by age, race/ethnicity, household, income, and education from survey data collected in 2018, 2020, and 2022 to assess whether or not there were demographic-related changes that may have resulted from the pandemic. At the time of this report, 2024 data was not publicly available, so this study utilized the most recent data available.
The most noticeable disparities in screening rates were observed in Hispanic women aged 50-75 in 2020.Though there was an observable rebound in screening rates in 2022, the data suggest that mammograms in Hispanic women had not recovered to pre-pandemic levels at the time of survey data collection. Possible reasons for this finding, and current efforts to address screening disparities through outreach in RI are explored throughout this paper through a review of relevant literature.