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QS27. Evaluating Mammogram Accessibility for Wheelchair Users in the NYC Metro Area: A Secret Shopper Study

Thursday, March 5, 2026
3:41 PM - 3:45 PM MST
Location: Pan-Tumor HUB Zone
Introduction: People with disabilities experience lower rates of screening mammograms and higher breast cancer-related mortality. Prior research has shown disparities in mammography access even within specialized disability-focused care settings. This study assessed the reported capacity of imaging centers in the NYC metro area to accommodate wheelchair users undergoing mammography, identified barriers to access, and evaluated procedures involved in requesting such appointments.


Methods: A secret shopper methodology was used to emulate real-world conditions and minimize bias. Using a standardized script, 3 researchers called imaging sites inquiring about a screening mammogram on behalf of a hypothetical patient using a wheelchair, assessing whether sites could accommodate the patient in their own chair or offer appropriate alternatives. 259 imaging sites within a 25-mile radius of NYC were identified from a list accredited by the American College of Radiology: 200 sites in New York, 58 in New Jersey, and 1 in Connecticut. Sites that did not answer a first call were re-contacted once. Duplicate phone numbers and centralized call centers were contacted once.


Results: 136 imaging sites were successfully reached (see Figure 1 for geographic breakdown). 47 (34.6%) initially stated they could accommodate a wheelchair user, 36 (26.5%) explicitly reported they could not, and 53 (38.9%) were unsure or stated that accessibility depended on other factors. During follow-up questioning, only 66 sites (48.5%) ultimately stated that they would be able to provide care for the patient. 9 sites that initially stated “yes” were actually unable to provide access; 26 that gave noncommittal responses did not have accommodations. The most common barriers included non–height-adjustable machines (n=39); structural features preventing wheelchair use, such as interference of armrests (n=36); lack of trained staff to assist with transfers (n=22); and inaccessible facilities (n=6). 13 sites (9.5%) were able to provide a designated representative to address accessibility inquiries.


Conclusions: Mammography sites in the NYC metro area do not adequately accommodate patients with mobility impairments: the majority of surveilled sites were unable to guarantee appointments or provide suitable screening options for wheelchair users. Further research is necessary to examine disparities based on neighborhood socioeconomic status and institution type, and to guide institutional and legislative changes to enhance breast cancer screening for this population.

Learning Objectives:

  • Recognize disparities in breast cancer screening accessibility for patients with mobility impairments in the New York City metropolitan area.
  • Identify key structural and procedural barriers that contribute to mammography access for wheelchair users.