Lessons learned: Mobile mammograms

Background

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death amongst women. Receiving regular mammography screenings is one health behavior that can help in reducing breast cancer mortality. In 2013, the Center for Health and Successful Living at the University of Toledo (UT), Ohio held mobile mammograms within the district to deliver care to the underserved. These mobile screenings were successful and there were several lessons learned that could serve as an impetus to implement best practices for mobile mammogram services.

Methodology:

The mobile mammography services were held at the Goodwill of Toledo, located in a low SES area, and the UT’s Dana Cancer Center. This breast screening initiative was advertised via local media, targeted women 40 years and older who had not received a mammogram within the past year and who were uninsured/underinsured.

 Results:

• 120 underinsured/uninsured women were screened.
• All abnormal results were referred to UT's Dana Cancer Center for follow up.
• Every participant received individual health coaching.
• Various barriers were noted: 1) lack of transportation to the mobile site- many women walked miles to receive a mammogram 2) low literacy skills made it difficult for several individuals to complete screening forms 3) nutritional education- some did not know the meaning of words such as fruits and vegetables.

Discussion:

Our results show that mobile mammography and health coaching are efficacious. Local resources such as free smoking cessation programs need to be more accessible to participants; availability of transportation to the mobile sites and health education sessions are all recommended.