Identifying Breast Cancer Screening Service Gaps

Georgia Comprehensive Cancer Registry

Certain areas of Georgia have higher proportions of women who qualify for free or low-cost breast cancer screening services but reside in counties that have no mammography facilities, leaving them at risk of a late-stage diagnosis.

Using data from the Georgia Comprehensive Cancer Registry, all breast cancer cases from 2003–2007 were geocoded, along with all mammography facility locations. Counties with low access and high need were identified. Other findings included—

• Six counties with low access and high need had a high proportion of late-stage breast cancer.
• Six counties with low access and high need had a moderate proportion of late-stage breast cancer.
• Ten counties that have mammography facilities and lower rates of eligibility for the breast and cervical cancer program (BCCP) had high proportions of late-stage breast cancer.

BCCP staff are finding new partners to address breast cancer screening needs in the 22 counties referenced above. The Susan G. Komen for the Cure affiliate in the Macon health district is focusing on high-need counties in their area. The Southwest Georgia Cancer Coalition is refocusing their efforts to provide additional resources in their coverage area.