Baptist Health’s mobile mammography program, known as the Mammovans, is taking breast cancer screenings directly to communities across South Florida, according to Michelle Stallone, the program’s imaging supervisor. She spoke on a Pink October episode of The Boca Raton Tribune 360 hosted by Stacy Carchman.
The two mobile units operate Monday through Saturday, typically from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at community events, corporate health fairs and wellness programs. The service mainly covers Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties and is expanding to Stuart and Port St. Lucie.
The vans use the same 3D mammography technology found at Baptist Health’s main facilities. Stallone said the imaging can help radiologists spot abnormalities in women with dense breast tissue and may reduce unnecessary follow-up visits. The program also uses artificial intelligence software to assist radiologists, and Stallone said the cancer detection rate rose from 9% to 23%. The software can also flag breast arterial calcifications, which may be relevant to heart health.
Patients usually get results within two to three business days. If something abnormal turns up, a care coach helps arrange follow-up care close to home.
Uninsured women who qualify may be able to get no-cost mammograms through grants and charity care. Screening schedules depend on age, health history and family history, so women should check with their doctors about when to start. Residents can find public schedules or request a visit for their organization at baptisthealth.net/mamovan.
