This review paints a striking global picture: only about 5% of low- and middle-income countries have national breast screening programs, compared with around 90% of high-income countries. For many women, getting screened means traveling long distances and sometimes spending more than a month’s income — which leads to cancers being found late.

The authors argue for accessible, culturally sensitive programs such as mobile units and subsidized imaging. With targeted investment, earlier detection becomes possible for millions of underserved women.

Researchers analysed how long it takes Delaware residents to reach a mammogram clinic and identified underserved “gaps.” They highlight major equity issues: Black women in the U.S. face about 40% higher breast cancer mortality than White women, and low-income women experience delays in diagnosis. Their location-allocation model suggests new imaging sites could dramatically reduce these disparities.

It’s a reminder that even the best technology can’t help if people can’t physically get to it. Smart planning — like placing clinics closer to underserved communities — can close long-standing outcome gaps.