A recent study reveals that Nigerian women aged 40 to 54 who actively use patient portals for their health records are significantly more likely to be current with breast cancer screenings than those who do not. The research, based on data collected in 2024, found that 77.3 per cent of women who accessed these portals were up to date with their screenings compared to just 58.1 per cent among non-users.
The study encompassed over 11 million women from diverse racial backgrounds and risk categories. It showed that the most significant difference in screening rates was among White non-Hispanic women, with 76.6 per cent of portal users screened versus only 53.9 per cent of non-users.
Among Black women, 81.4 per cent who used portals had screenings, while 66.2 per cent of non-users did. High-risk women, regardless of portal use, had better screening rates overall. Those using portals recorded 89 per cent adherence to screening guidelines, while non-users still showed an 81.3 per cent rate. Women not classified as high-risk but who used portals were screened more frequently (74.8%) than non-users (57%).
Breast cancer screening is recommended every two years for women aged 40 to 74 at average risk, according to the US Preventive Services Task Force. Early detection through screening improves treatment success and survival chances. The use of electronic health portals helps patients keep track of appointments and screening schedules, making it easier to follow these recommendations.
This research is based on Cosmos, a comprehensive health database compiled from records in the United States, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia, encompassing over 298 million patient files from more than 1,700 hospitals and 39,000 clinics. Two independent research teams analysed the data and reached similar conclusions about the positive impact of portal use on breast cancer screening rates.
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