Retrospective review of a mobile mammography screening program in an underserved population within a large metropolitan area

Abstract

Mobile mammography units provide preventive health care to patients facing barriers to annual screening. This retrospective study examined 9,327 examinations over five years, recording cancer cases, recalls, and biopsies performed. The program identified 14 cancers (1.5 per 1000 examinations; 95% CI: 0.9-2.5), with 11 invasive. Most detected cancers were small and early-stage. The recall rate was 17.8%. Patient ages ranged from 41 to 67 years (mean 50.6). The findings demonstrate that mobile mammography successfully detected cancers at early stages in underserved populations, supporting expansion of similar programs.