Breast Cancer Screening Among Homeless Women of New York City Shelter-Based Clinics

Abstract Background Millions of Americans experience homelessness annually. Data on breast cancer screening among homeless women is extremely limited. Methods We performed a retrospective study evaluating 100 female patients 50 to 74 years old with at least three visits to two major New York City shelter-based clinics between 2010 and 2012 to evaluate and compare rates and predictors of mammograms in homeless and low-income domicile patients. Results Of those we included, 44% were homeless with majority Black and Hispanic. Mean age was 59.28 (±5.84) years. The majority were insured, with 44% smokers and 87% with chronic illnesses. Rates of mammogram within past 2 years were 59% in homeless and 57.1% in low-income domicile patients; 53% did not know the results of their mammogram. Homeless and domicile patients received equal provider counseling. Homeless women were more likely to be uninsured ( p