NYMC Faculty Publications

Reaching the Hard to Reach: Effective Early Detection of Breast Cancer in Low Income Communities

Author Type(s)

Student, Faculty

DOI

10.56808/2586-940X.1067

Journal Title

Journal of Health Research

First Page

154

Last Page

159

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2024

Department

Surgery

Keywords

Breast cancer, Breast exam, Breast screening, Early detection, Mammography

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer disproportionately affects low-income communities. A handheld, portable breast scanner (iBE, Intelligent Breast Exam) offers access to breast screening to improve early detection rates for these populations. The objective of this study is to assess usefulness of a handheld breast scanner, iBE, in screening breast lesions as a public health initiative in communities with historically low rates of breast cancer screening. Methods: Women presenting to inner city and suburban community center outreach events May 2021 through October 2021 were recruited. Women overdue for mammography or with positive clinical breast exams (CBE) and/or iBE were referred for mammography. The primary endpoint was assessment of accuracy and area under ROC curve for iBE in breast lesion detection compared to the gold standard of mammography. Study endpoints were determination of breast screening rates, lesion detection and accuracy of iBE for detection of clinically relevant breast lesions. Results: A total of 133 women enrolled resulting in 266 iBE and CBE. Mean (SD) age was 49.5 (13) years. Women were educated on breast health and received iBE in 5 min and CBE in 15 min. Of 266 exams, 30 had completion mammography. Accuracy and area under ROC curve were 0.66 for iBE, 0.56 for CBE, and 0.70 for iBE ± CBE. Conclusions: Outreach events are successful in reaching hard to reach communities but remain challenged in retaining women for completion of care. Health policy objectives for populations at risk should be aimed at access to services but equally important health service utilization.

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