BI-RADS-0 Screening Mammography: Risk Factors That Prevent or Delay Follow-Up Time to Diagnostic Evaluation

J Am Coll Radiol. 2022 Nov;19(11):1262-1268. doi: 10.1016/j.jacr.2022.07.006. Epub 2022 Aug 17.

Abstract

Objective: BI-RADS 0 screening mammograms require follow-up diagnostic imaging, optimally within 60 days. Our study aims to identify risk factors for delayed follow-up.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective case-control study of individuals who had a nondiagnostic BI-RADS 0 screening mammogram between March 19, 2018, and March 19, 2020. Sociodemographic information was collected from a self-reported questionnaire. We aimed to identify factors associated with <60-day follow-up, >60-day follow-up, or no follow-up outcomes. The χ2 test and univariate logistic regressions were performed. Significant variables were included in multinomial logistic regression. We also aimed to identify risk factors that lead to delayed follow-up times among individuals with follow-up. Spearman's correlation and Mann-Whitney Wilcoxon tests and Kruskal-Wallis tests were performed.

Results: Review returned 5,034 screening mammograms. Of 4,552 individuals included, 904 (19.9%) had no follow-up. Of the 3,648 (80.1%) with follow-up, 2,797 (76.7%) had a follow-up <60 days (median 20 days) and 851 (23.3%) had follow-up >60 days (median 176 days). Multinomial regression found that Asian (P = .022), Black (P < .0001), and individuals who identified their race as other (P < .0001) were independently more likely to have no or >60-day follow-up. Individuals who did not report their race (P = .001) or completed the questionnaire in Spanish (P = .025) were more likely to have no or >60-day follow-up. Among individuals with follow-up, Black individuals (P < .0001), those who identified their race as other (P < .0001), Hispanic individuals (P = .04), and those who completed the questionnaire in Spanish (P < .0001) had follow-up delays. BRCA-positive individuals had shorter follow-up times (P = .021).

Discussion: Follow-up time is affected by cancer risk factors such as BRCA status in addition to race, preferred language, and Hispanic ethnicity.

Keywords: BI-RADS 0; disparities; screening mammogram.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Early Detection of Cancer
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mammography*
  • Mass Screening / methods
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors