SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — It’s Breast Cancer Awareness month which means perfect time for a mammogram. Upstate Mobile Mammography Program offers breast cancer screening in their “mammo van” every week. Women over 40 years old can sign up either with or without an insurance.
“In the past, we had up to 25 patients scheduled in one day and the average visit here on the bus is approximately 15 minutes,” said Salina Smith, a mammographer with Upstate University Hospital.
Cases may vary depending on the individual health histories, Smith said. Additional breast exam and doctor’s appointment may be necessary.
“It is important to know that when patients leave us, they feel a sense of relief and a sense of, umm, they don’t feel scared to come back for a mammogram because this is a very welcoming environment, this is our second home,” Smith said.
Chief Operations Officer at Syracuse Community Connections Kenneth Hills said this is not the first time they have requested the “mammo van.”
“It’s such a needed service in the community, it’s such a busy bus,” Hills said. “This is our second or third time this year we actually have them come within different programing.”
The next event for the “mammo van” will be held Oct. 28 at the Oncenter Civic Center. Screenings will be available from noon until 5 p.m., right before the Syracuse Ice Hockey team hosts “Pink in the Rink” game dedicated to the breast cancer awareness month.
