Advancing breast cancer screening access in rural communities

For many women, a mammogram can mean the difference between catching breast cancer early or facing it at a more advanced stage. A new study of older women with breast cancer in Texas makes that impact clear -- women whose cancers were found through screening mammography were far more likely to survive, showing 43 percent lower all-cause mortality and 49 percent lower cancer-specific mortality compared to those whose cancers were detected in other ways. Diagnostic mammography showed a powerful benefit as well, reducing all-cause mortality by 31 percent and cancer-specific mortality by 37 percent.

The study also revealed a troubling disparity: Women in rural areas were 17 percent more likely to be diagnosed at later stages than those who live in urban or suburban communities. This gap reinforces the urgent need to bring more breast imaging services closer to where rural women live.

The importance of early detection

Mammography is the gold standard in breast cancer screening because it identifies cancers when they are most treatable, often years before symptoms appear. But when distance, limited resources, or outdated equipment stand in the way, rural patients face delayed diagnoses that can negatively impact their entire health journey.

Even when access exists, many women put off mammograms because of anxiety around discomfort or pain during the exam. Addressing these concerns is essential to building trust and encouraging regular screenings. There are several steps providers can take to help alleviate patient anxiety and physical discomfort, including:

• Create a relaxing environment. Clinical, institutional settings can enhance feelings of fear. Creating a comfortable, warm setting is important. Some providers have converted their imaging facility into a spa-like setting complete with soft music, aromatherapy, and vibrant plants. The more tranquil the atmosphere, the calmer the patient.
• Provide educational information via your waiting room and website. Understanding the mammography experience is the first step toward putting a patient at ease. A provider’s website and print literature should clearly communicate how the exam is performed. Offering as much information as possible in easy-to-understand language can help relax patients about the mammography experience in advance.
• Choose the right equipment: Not all mammography equipment is created equal. Invest in equipment designed to make mammography exams as comfortable as possible. Some features to look for include the design of compression paddles. Some compression paddles on the market provide noticeably less pain and anxiety for the patient by conforming to the natural shape of the breast while reducing pressure at the chest wall.  More comfort equals better patient adherence.
   

Empowering rural providers

For rural hospitals and clinics, access to modern, patient-centered technology is critical. To close the gap in outcomes between urban and rural areas, health care leaders must take decisive steps such as expanding mammography services by equipping rural hospitals with modern, patient-friendly systems; prioritizing patient experience to reduce fear and increase follow-up visits; and investing in community outreach to ensure women know that screenings are available and accessible.

3D systems have become more affordable so rural providers can begin to offer the latest in breast imaging technology that is empathetic to patient needs.

The message is clear: When breast cancer is detected early through mammography, survival improves dramatically. By ensuring women in rural communities have access to advanced and compassionate imaging, providers can help close the gap and give every woman the best chance at early detection and better outcomes.

NRHA adapted the above piece from FUJIFILM Healthcare, a trusted NRHA partner, for publication within the Association’s Rural Health Voices blog.
 

Christine Murray

About the author: Christine Murray, RT, has been a mammography, MRI, and CT technologist for over 30 years. In her time in clinical settings, she has worked at large teaching hospitals, community hospitals and imaging centers. Christine continues sharing her passion for improving women's health as director of marketing for Fujifilm Healthcare's women’s health division.