Breast Cancer Screening and Outcomes Disparities Persist for Native American Women.

The article focuses on persistent disparities in breast cancer screening and outcomes among American Indian and Alaskan Native (AI/AN) women in the United States. Despite overall advances in breast cancer detection and mortality reduction since the 1990s, mortality rates for AI/AN women have remained unchanged, with these women more likely to be diagnosed at younger ages and at later stages compared to White women. Barriers contributing to these disparities include limited access to care due to geographic isolation, underfunding and scope limitations of the Indian Health Service (IHS), cultural mistrust of medical systems, and low health literacy. While some federal programs and community-led initiatives have aimed to improve screening rates through culturally sensitive education, patient navigation, and mobile mammography, large-scale coordinated efforts remain insufficient. The article emphasizes the need for increased awareness and targeted interventions by healthcare providers, including breast radiologists, to address these unique challenges and improve breast cancer outcomes in AI/AN populations.