Mammographic Quality in Wisconsin's Breast Cancer Disparities

Project Description Narrative:

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and has the second highest mortality. There are also large disparities in breast cancer survival, with Black women being 50% more likely to die of breast cancer than White women. Mammograms, which are low-energy X-rays to examine the breast, are estimated to reduce breast cancer mortality by approximately 20%. To achieve optimal results, mammography requires technical expertise and strong systems for quality screening and follow up of all abnormal tests. Given the complex steps needed for high-quality mammography, few efforts have focused on variation in mammography quality and its impact on disparate health outcomes.

Through this award, the project will develop a sustainable shared measurement system to identify and track factors perpetuating breast cancer disparities, and inform best practices supporting improved mammographic quality and breast cancer detection and survivorship to reduce Wisconsin's breast cancer disparities.