More women are falling behind on breast cancer screenings, study shows [Video]

SACRAMENTO — A simple mammogram can be life-saving. The problem is that not enough women are getting them.

Dr. Debra Houry, the chief medical officer of the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), said about 40,000 women die each year from breast cancer and having these screening mammograms can save lives.

A new CDC Vital Signs study found that only about 65% of women ages 50-74, with three or more health-related social needs, are up to date with their mammograms. Social needs can include things like food insecurity or lack of access to reliable transportation.

“It’s really important to address these needs now,” Dr. Houry said. “When doctors are meeting with a patient, they can screen women for these needs and then connect them to community services.”

The good news is that in the Sacramento region, places like UC Davis are reaching out to …