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Lessons learned: Mobile mammograms
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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.
Learning Areas:
Provision of health care to the publicPublic health or related research
Learning Objectives:
Define what are mobile mammograms
Explain the benefits to mobile mammograms
Discuss the barriers associated with mobile mammograms
Keyword(s): Cancer Prevention and Screening, Women's Health
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a part of the Center for Health and Successful Living's mobile mammography team and have health coached participants during the course of this initiative.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.