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 [email protected]
