Beyond the physician shortage: infrastructure as a rate-limiting step in breast cancer care - Report - MDSpire

Beyond the physician shortage: infrastructure as a rate-limiting step in breast cancer care

  • By

  • Elio R. Bitar

  • Max O. Meneveau

  • Kaelyn C. Cummins

  • Olivia Sears

  • Mohamad El Moheb

  • Chengli Shen

  • Susan Kim

  • Mackenzie M. Mayhew

  • Samantha M. Ruff

  • Allan Tsung

  • July 7, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Addressing the Physician Shortage in Breast Cancer Treatment Access

Overview

This study examines the relationship between physician workforce availability and breast cancer outcomes, highlighting the role of local healthcare infrastructure. Findings indicate that provider density correlates with screening rates and late-stage diagnoses and mortality when adequate facilities are present.

Background

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women in the U.S., with disparities in early detection and survival rates across different regions. The shortage of healthcare providers and limited access to facilities are barriers to effective breast cancer care. Understanding how local infrastructure impacts these disparities is essential.

Data Highlights

OutcomeEffect Size (β)P-value
Increased Screening1.49<0.001
Decreased Late-Stage Diagnosis-1.29<0.001
Decreased Mortality-1.09<0.001
Higher Screening with Neighboring Resources1.230.047
Lower Mortality with Neighboring Resources-1.690.023

Key Findings

  • High-density counties are often urban and socioeconomically advantaged.
  • Provider density is associated with screening rates when facilities are available.
  • Greater provider density correlates with lower late-stage diagnoses and mortality rates.
  • In counties without local facilities, access to neighboring counties' resources improves screening and reduces mortality.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should consider workforce availability and local infrastructure when addressing breast cancer care disparities.

Conclusion

The study highlights the importance of integrating healthcare infrastructure improvements with workforce development.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Jan Probst, The ASCO Post, 2018 -- Patients With Cancer in Rural America Remain Underserved
  2. The ASCO Post, 2025 -- Crossing State Borders: Addressing Residential Barriers to Cancer Care
  3. The ASCO Post, 2022 -- COVID-19 Restrictions Linked to Delayed Breast Cancer Care at Safety-Net Hospital
  4. ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Female Breast Cancer Screening: 2025 Update - ScienceDirect
  5. The ASCO Post — The Future of Cancer Care
  6. ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Female Breast Cancer Screening: 2025 Update - ScienceDirect
  7. Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Early-Stage Breast Cancer: ASCO Guideline Update - PubMed
  8. New ASCO Report Explores US Medical and Hematology Oncologist Workforce - ASCO

Original Source(s)

Beyond the physician shortage: infrastructure as a rate-limiting step in breast cancer care

  • by Elio R. Bitar, Max O. Meneveau, Kaelyn C. Cummins, Olivia Sears, Mohamad El Moheb, Chengli Shen, Susan Kim, Mackenzie M. Mayhew, Samantha M. Ruff, Allan Tsung

  • July 7, 2026

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