Mobile Screening Unit

Fox Chase Cancer Center, in partnership with Flyers Charities, has a Mobile Screening Unit (MSU) that brings breast cancer screenings right into the community.

Breast Cancer Screening

Screening refers to tests used to find a disease, like cancer, in people who do not have any symptoms.  The goal of screening is to find cancer before it starts to cause symptoms.

What is a mammogram and why is it important?

A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast.  It helps your doctor find changes in the breast two years before these changes can be felt by a clinical or self-exam.

What happens when you get a mammogram on the MSU?

You will need a prescription from your doctor if you want a mammogram on the MSU. The mammogram is private. The entire process takes about 15 minutes. You and your doctor will receive a result letter within 10 days. Women who require additional care will be referred to a nurse navigator to help with next steps.

Who can get a mammogram on the MSU?

A woman can get a mammogram if she meets the following criteria:

• Is over the age of 40
• Has not had a mammogram in the past year
• Has a prescription from her doctor

A woman can get a mammogram on the MSU even if she doesn't have insurance. We have several programs that can cover your costs.

A woman cannot have a mammogram on the MSU if she:

• Needs help getting on and off the van (the van has 3 steep steps)
• Needs help standing for the mammogram (must be able to stand on her own for at least 10 minutes)
• Has a new breast problem (feels a lump, skin changes or nipple discharge)
• Was diagnosed with breast cancer within the past 3 years
• Is currently being treated for breast cancer
• Is breast feeding or has breast fed within the last 9 months

To learn more about our community screening program, please contact Linda Hammell, Director of the Community Cancer Screening Program at 215-728-3554 or by email at linda.hammell@fccc.edu