Mobile Cancer Screening Units Expand Access to Underserved Communities in Tennessee
New mobile health units are bringing vital cancer screening and education services directly to individuals in underserved communities across West Tennessee. These initiatives, spearheaded by the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) College of Nursing, aim to address health disparities and improve cancer outcomes in vulnerable populations.
Expanding Cancer Screening Access
Thanks to donations from the West Cancer Center and Research Institute and grant funding, the UTHSC College of Nursing is deploying two mobile health units to reach individuals who may otherwise face barriers to accessing cancer screenings. One van will focus on underserved neighborhoods within Shelby County, whereas the other will serve rural communities in Hardeman, Haywood, and Lauderdale counties.
Grant Funding and Program Details
A $108,215 grant from The McKesson Foundation will support the Shelby County cancer screening program for 12 months, with the goal of serving 1,000 individuals. This program specifically targets ZIP codes where residents face a higher risk of mortality from colorectal or breast cancer due to existing health disparities. A separate $168,475 sub-award from the Tennessee Center for Nursing Advancement will fund the rural cancer screening program for one year.
Services Offered by the Mobile Units
Nursing faculty and students will staff the mobile units, providing cancer screening, education, and resources to communities on a weekly basis. Services include:
- Breast cancer education and screening information
- Prostate cancer education and screening information
- Colorectal cancer education and screening information
- Distribution of screening questionnaires
- Provision of home test kits for colorectal and prostate cancer
- Follow-up support and connection to appropriate health services for individuals with positive test results
Collaboration and Partnerships
The Shelby County outreach program will involve nursing students exclusively from UTHSC. The rural program will expand participation to include students from Baptist Health Sciences University, Christian Brothers University, and Southwest Tennessee Community College. This collaborative approach leverages the expertise and resources of multiple institutions to maximize impact.
Quotes from Leadership
“We appreciate the generous donation by the West Cancer Center and Research Institute and are thrilled to use these vans to take cancer education and screening into the community,” said Wendy Likes, PhD, DNSc, APRN-BC, FAAN, FAANP, Dean of the College of Nursing. UTHSC
Ricketta Clark, DNP, APRN-BC, Associate Professor and principal investigator on the Shelby County project, stated, “My goal for this project is to reduce barriers to cancer screening for underserved populations in Memphis by delivering care directly into high-disparity communities…The intended impact is earlier detection and a measurable reduction in cancer-related morbidity and mortality across Shelby County.”
Looking Ahead
These mobile cancer screening programs represent a significant step towards addressing health inequities and improving cancer outcomes in Tennessee. By bringing essential services directly to those who need them most, the UTHSC College of Nursing is working to ensure that all individuals have access to life-saving cancer screenings and education.