Removing Barriers to Breast Cancer Screening: Fred Hutch’s Mobile Mammogram Vans
For many women, the thought of getting a mammogram can be daunting. Fear of pain, lack of access, and navigating the healthcare system can all create significant barriers. But thanks to Fred Hutch Cancer Center’s innovative mobile mammography program, these obstacles are becoming a thing of the past, particularly for underserved communities.
A Personal Story of Empowerment
Danielle Nevers, a patient at Seattle Roots Community Health, exemplifies the impact of Fred Hutch’s mobile mammography vans. For 12 years, she delayed getting screened due to both fear and uncertainty about the process. Gabrielle Flowers, Breast Health Equity Program coordinator at Fred Hutch, personally reached out to Nevers, offering support and arranging transportation through Lyft. Nevers, swayed by Flowers’ encouragement and the convenient access, finally had her first mammogram last year and recently completed her second.
“People kept saying, ‘Girl, that is going to hurt you so bad,’” Nevers said. “I might be the only one to say this, but that mammogram did not hurt. I regret that I waited all those years.”
Reaching Underserved Communities
Fred Hutch’s mobile mammography vans, affectionately known as “mammovans,” are specially designed to address the unique needs of under-resourced communities. Equipped to perform nearly two dozen scans per day, they travel throughout the Puget Sound region, bringing essential breast cancer screening services directly to where they are needed most.
Flowers actively partners with organizations like Seattle Roots Community Health and UW Medicine to identify women overdue for screenings, focusing on areas with low screening rates, such as ZIP code 98118, south Seattle, and Burien. “That is why we are having our vans go out there at least once a quarter to build our presence there,” she said.
Removing Transportation Barriers
Recognizing transportation as a major obstacle for many, Fred Hutch implemented a program to cover ride costs for patients. Flowers explained, “My job is to help remove barriers that get in the way of getting screening. If a patient needs a ride because that’s a barrier, we can order a ride to and from their appointment.”
Success and Continued Growth
The mobile mammography program has proven immensely successful, exceeding its screening goals year over year. Fred Hutch has expanded its reach through partnerships with organizations like the Seattle Indian Health Board and the Muckleshoot Tribe, demonstrating a commitment to equitable access to healthcare for all.
“We thought we would try to go once a quarter, but as we were registering patients for the first date, they were immediately asking for more dates because there was such demand,” said Le Ann Yoder, mobile operations manager.
Take Charge of Your Health
Don’t let fear or barriers prevent you from getting the breast cancer screening you deserve. Fred Hutch’s mobile mammography vans offer a convenient and accessible way to prioritize your health. Contact Fred Hutch today to learn more about scheduling your mammogram and taking control of your well-being.