Bringing breast cancer screening to women in the community is the idea behind the new “Mobile Mammo” launched Monday in San Diego.
The free on-site mobile mammography coach (MMC) or breast cancer exam unit, was celebrated Monday.
“In San Diego, three out of five women are not getting mammograms,” said Laura Farmer Sherman, Executive Director, Susan G. Komen San Diego. “The number one reason and I think all of us can relate to it is because they don’t have the time or they can’t get there.”
So the organization worked with La Maestra Community Health Centers and Community Health Imaging Centers to create the coach and offer free on-site mammography and clinical breast exams to qualified women over 40 in San Diego and Imperial Counties.
Experts say many of the most under-served women in San Diego face significant barriers to care including transportation, lack of child care and language barriers.
“We needed to take these services out on the road where women live in the community,” said Zara Marselian, CEO of La Maestra Community Health Centers.
John Lethin, Community Health Imaging Executive Director, said the ability to provide services via the mobile center is great.
Local
“We’re looking forward to serving all women because all women deserve the best,” said Lethin.
San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer and his wife Katherine were on hand for Monday’s ribbon cutting event as a way to kick off Breast Cancer Awareness month.
A calendar for locations where you can find the coach is available here.
