Mammogram utilization among women with vision and/or hearing loss: Insights from the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey

PurposePersons with sensory loss face significant barriers when accessing healthcare services, specifically screening for breast cancer. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that women aged 40-74 get screened for breast cancer every 2 years; however, few studies have analyzed whether sensory loss influences the receipt of mammograms. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between sensory (vision, hearing, or dual) loss and mammography utilization among women 40-74 years of age.MethodsThis study used data for women aged 40-74 from the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (n = 55,363) to analyze the relationship between self-reported sensory loss and receipt of breast cancer screenings. Weighted complex samples logistic regression analyses were conducted using SPSS Version 29.ResultsWomen aged 40-74 with dual sensory (both vision and hearing) loss were half as likely to have received a mammogram in the past 2 years (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = .533, 95% confidence interval (CI) = [.354-.803]) in comparison to those with neither disability. Women aged 40-74 with dual sensory (both vision and hearing) loss were twice as likely to have not received a mammogram in the past 5 years or more (AOR = 2.480, 95% CI = [1.317-4.669]) in comparison to those with neither disability.ConclusionWomen aged 40-74 with dual sensory loss were significantly less likely to receive mammograms. Further research focused on understanding and addressing the factors influencing access to breast cancer screenings is needed.