Breast Cancer: Racial Disparities (and How To Change Those)

As physicians who specialize in medical imaging- our friends (and neighbors… and kids… and pets) hear us say “annual screening mammogram!” all the time. Better too often heard than too seldom, we believe.

While many women need to be reminded to put their health as a priority or to be aware of their risk factors (the biggest of which is being female!)… sometimes the stumbling blocks are more than forgetfulness. It’s about access. Having facilities with hours that can accommodate a busy person’s schedule; access to health coverage of any kind; convenient locations – all these things can be the difference in whether getting screened is possible.

We want to do everything we can to help address access issues, sharing our resources to overcome hurdles. In Kansas City, around 40% of women are not getting their annual screenings – a number we are working hard to improve. Recent studies show that in the US, African American and Hispanic women are less likely to have a screening mammogram than whites or Asians. While the reasons behind this are complex, access to breast health care is one issue we can address that may help even the numbers. If women can’t come to us, we can go to them!

Here in our metropolitan area we are teaming up with communities and organizations to bridge the gap by going beyond our clinic doors. We are thrilled to be working with the KCPD on this. Diagnostic Imaging Centers’ mobile mammography coach will be at the East Patrol Police Station (2640 Prospect Ave, KCMO 64127) from 9am to 5pm on Tuesday, January 17th.

Walk-ins are welcome or schedule a time – together we can work to make sure every woman in Kansas City has access to potentially lifesaving screening.