GRAND RAPIDS, Mich — Corewell Health's Mobile Mammography Unit is out and ready to bring people vital cancer screenings.
The motorhome has been redesigned to contain a state-of-the-art 45-foot clinic on wheels. It uses the same 3D digital technology (tomosynthesis) as other Betty Ford Breast Care Service sites.
"Breast cancer occurs in about one in eight women," said Jennifer Johnston, chief of Breast Care Services for Corewell Health, "The importance of screening is to detect the cancer early. If we can detect it early, it's very treatable. There are less complications from the treatment that the patient would undergo, and less risk of death from breast cancer."
The goal of the mobile unit is to increase access to cancer screenings. It has a schedule, which can be found here.
Limited number of people are seen a day, so appointments are encouraged. Walk-ins are available, as scheduling allows. You can schedule by calling (877)495-2626 or through your MyChart.
"We're able to capture patients who otherwise wouldn't have their screening performed," said Johnston, "We also take this into our very far rural communities where they don't have easy access to a screening site."
All women over the age of 40 are recommended to get yearly screening mammograms. At 25 years old, start having conversations with your doctor to see if you are a candidate for early screenings.
"Nationally, only about 65% of women get annual screening," said Johnson, "And we're trying to increase access so that patients get that important annual screening to detect those cancers early."
To see if you qualify for free mammograms, call (616)486-6022.
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