Leveraging High Mammography Screening Prevalence to Increase Lung Cancer Screening Among Women-a Geospatial Perspective.

Abstract

Purpose: Lung cancer (LC) is the leading cause of cancer death in women, yet LC screening (LCS) rates remain low. Identifying women eligible for LCS who are undergoing screening mammography has been shown to increase LCS in this population. We aim to evaluate the proximity of mammography facilities to LCS facilities to further leverage screening mammography on a national level to increase LCS uptake among women.

Methods: A geospatial approach was used to assess the proximity of mammography and LCS facilities at graduated short distances of 0, 0.5, and 1 mile. Public data were used to calculate the estimated women aged 50 to 74, women who have undergone mammography, and the estimated women eligible for LCS within these distances. Bivariate maps were created to highlight potential areas for intervention.

Results: Almost 40% of mammography facilities are within 1 mile of LCS facilities, and many of these facilities (59.5%) are "nearby facilities" (0 miles or share an address) that are mostly in more urban areas, presenting a disparity in access between rural and urban areas. Although <25% of all mammography facilities are within 0 miles of LCS facilities, they are in counties in which most of the women eligible for LCS and most of the women who have undergone mammography reside.

Conclusion: High mammography prevalence coupled with the alignment of the distribution of facilities, women eligible for LCS, and women who have undergone mammography provide an opportunity to reach women at risk for LC to assess eligibility and offer convenient screening near the time of their mammograms.