Understanding the Role of Mammographic Quality in
Wisconsin’s Breast Cancer Disparities
One of CCSN's efforts, the Mammographic Quality effort brings together regional teams
to assess and understand the role mammography quality plays on breast cancer disparities
through learning collaboratives and shared measurement systems.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and has the second highest mortality. Although great strides have been made in reducing mortality, the gains have not been realized by all groups.
In Wisconsin, there are higher rates of breast cancer mortality in some geographic areas, including rural parts of the state, as well as in racial/ethnic minority groups, including Black/African American populations. These differences are known as disparities.
Disparities in breast cancer exist for a variety of reasons such as individual biology, behavioral risks, physical and social environment, and more.
Among these reasons, healthcare quality may play an important role. We are exploring the potential role of mammographic quality in Wisconsin’s breast cancer disparities, and how to use this information with regional collaboratives to ensure quality mammography for all women.
Mammograms are estimated to reduce breast cancer mortality by approximately 20%* Since many initiatives to increase the equitable use of mammography have been successful nationally, we are exploring if there is an element in the process of obtaining a breast cancer diagnosis that may contribute to disparities.
*Marmot MG, Altman DG, Cameron DA, Dewar JA, Thompson SG and Wilcox M. The benefits and harms of breast cancer screening: an independent review. Br J Cancer. 2013;108:2205-40.
In Wisconsin, there are higher rates of breast cancer mortality in some geographic areas, including rural parts of the state, as well as in racial/ethnic minority groups, including Black/African American populations. These differences are known as disparities.
Disparities in breast cancer exist for a variety of reasons such as individual biology, behavioral risks, physical and social environment, and more.
Among these reasons, healthcare quality may play an important role. We are exploring the potential role of mammographic quality in Wisconsin’s breast cancer disparities, and how to use this information with regional collaboratives to ensure quality mammography for all women.
Mammograms are estimated to reduce breast cancer mortality by approximately 20%* Since many initiatives to increase the equitable use of mammography have been successful nationally, we are exploring if there is an element in the process of obtaining a breast cancer diagnosis that may contribute to disparities.
*Marmot MG, Altman DG, Cameron DA, Dewar JA, Thompson SG and Wilcox M. The benefits and harms of breast cancer screening: an independent review. Br J Cancer. 2013;108:2205-40.
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Mammography screening and the follow-up process for an abnormal mammogram is complex.
The Mammographic Quality Project will examine whether mammography imaging, interpretation, and follow-up quality are influencing breast cancer disparities in Wisconsin and developing local and regional collaborative teams to determine and sustain quality metrics. |
Mammographic Quality Leadership
Tommi Thompson, MBA
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Beth Brunner
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Joan Neuner, MD, MPH
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Kelly Hackett, MPH
Program Manager |
For more information on The Mammographic Quality Initiative, please contact Kelly Hackett, khackett@wwhf.org