A new Milken Institute report finds that access to early detection in the U.S. still depends heavily on your ZIP code, with about 9,600 early-stage breast cancer detections missed each year.
The study mapped where mammography machines are located and revealed big gaps in access, showing how population density and geography continue to shape health outcomes.
Dr. Sean Raj, Chief Medical and Innovation Officer at SimonMed Imaging, is an expert in all things breast cancer imaging, early detection, the importance of technology in detection, and accessibility. He can tell you why this study is important and how we can improve in the space.
“What stands out most in this study is how preventable this gap is. The report shows that nearly 900 U.S. counties still lack a certified mammography site, and that geographic inequity alone is leading to 9,600 missed early-stage breast cancer detections every year,” Raj says.
“As someone who sees every day how affordability and accessibility improve breast cancer detection and diagnosis, this number isn’t just a ‘statistic’; it represents many women whose lives could be changed with something as basic as access. This study shows exactly how urgent accessibility for women everywhere is needed for basic mammography screenings and scans.”
“Early detection should never depend on a ZIP code,” said Raj. “This study gives us a sense of urgency and a roadmap to close that gap, and it primarily shares why expanding basic breast imaging into underserved markets must be a priority.”
“Accessibility and affordability remain two of the biggest factors in whether a patient gets screened on time. Even when AI and technology exist in breast imaging, many patients still face barriers, like lengthy travel distances, limited appointment availability from providers, high out-of-pocket costs, or simply not having a provider who encourages preventative screening.”
“When these barriers persist, cancers are detected later, when treatment is more complex, more costly, and less effective. At SimonMed, we prioritize reducing these friction points: expanding community-based centers, offering substantially lower-cost screening options, simplifying online scheduling, and engaging patients directly through outreach and education.”
“But the reality is that many women nationwide still struggle with transportation, language and cultural barriers, childcare, or being unable to miss work. Tackling these challenges requires coordinated solutions across health systems, payers, employers, and policymakers. We all have a role in ensuring breast cancer screening is accessible.”
SimonMed is focused on continuing advanced imaging directly in communities that need it most.
“We do this by bringing out our technology to people who are underserved, who can’t travel, and don’t have access to screening. Our MOM program at SimonMed stands for “Mobile On-site Mammography” and is one of our most special programs for patients, as we provide screening mammograms via mobile units.”
Raj says that these mobile units travel to different locations, such as workplaces and underserved communities, to make mammography more accessible to women, specifically those with difficulty reaching traditional facilities to receive annual screenings.
“Our newest program, Mammogram+, uses AI to better detect any underlying and early-stage cancers, bettering early detection, reducing false positives, and making the screening process more efficient and accurate. These programs reflect our commitment to expanding access, elevating quality, and ensuring every patient, regardless of ZIP code, has the opportunity for timely breast cancer screening,” he says.
“Accessibility and quality should go hand-in-hand. At SimonMed, we’re committed to setting a new standard: bringing advanced, affordable, AI-enabled screening to every community we serve coast-to-coast.”
The report can be found here.
