Disparities in Access to Multimodality Breast Imaging Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic brought into the spotlight significant preexisting disparities in care throughout medicine, including Radiology; they most adversely affect racial minorities, patients of lower socioeconomic status, and those with no or inadequate health insurance. The article by Nguyen et al., entitled “Addressing Disparities Related to Access of Multimodality Breast Imaging Services Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic” explores the disparities specific to access of breast imaging services due to the pandemic. Sixty percent of breast imaging services were delayed for all populations during the first 6 months of the pandemic, and it is projected that this will have a small negative impact on breast cancer mortality by 2030. This data is for overall populations but given some racial and ethnic minority populations (Blacks, Hispanics, and Native Americans) already have increased mortality from breast cancer it can be assumed that this will only compound the difference. In addition, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Hispanic women, but they had one of the lowest rebound screening mammography rates after the pandemic which is very concerning. This article is extremely important and should be used as a call to action for breast imaging departments to focus on addressing these now exacerbated disparities in these select populations.