Challenges of the Underserved and Underscreened in Mammography.

Screening mammography is the best available means of detecting breast cancer in its early, more treatable stages. Yet many women in the United States who are of screening age have not had a recent mammogram. This article explores the reasons women are underserved and underscreened, including cost, examination-associated pain, and inconvenience, as well as possible solutions to these and other barriers to screening mammography. The needs of special patient populations, such as women with disabilities, also are addressed, along with general measures for encouraging mammography screening participation, including patient education, reminders, and support from health care professionals.