Despite similar availability of diagnostic technologies to women of different racial and ethnic groups, significant disparities were seen in who actually received same-day diagnostic services and biopsies after abnormal mammogram findings, new research shows.  Even when breast-care facilities had the necessary technology and capabilities, minority groups were less likely than white women to receive diagnostic imaging on the same day as an abnormal screening result. Black women in particular were less likely to receive same-day biopsies, compared with white women.

The findings of a retrospective study are to be published Feb. 18 in the journal Radiology.  The lead author is Dr. Marissa Lawson, assistant professor of radiology at the University of Washington School of Medicine. Dr. Christoph Lee, UW professor of radiology, was senior author.

“We’re looking at how the diagnostic workup process might contribute to the population disparities we see with breast-cancer outcomes,” Lawson said. “It was surprising to find similar availability (of technologies) across racial and ethnic groups. But we still saw big differences in who was getting those same-day services.”