Scotland Health’s Mobile Mammography Service Brings Essential Breast Cancer Screenings Directly to Local Communities

Scotland Health’s “Mammo on the Go” mobile mammography service is up and running and early events have been successful.  This bus has already provided services in Maxton, Laurel Hill, Rowland, Pembroke, and Wagram with plans to visit many more locations. 

The state-of-the-art bus offers 3D mobile mammography services, providing convenient, on-site screenings making it convenient for those who may have busy schedules, transportation issues, or other barriers to care. 

Deborah Gardner, Mammography Coordinator with the Scotland Memorial Hospital Imaging Center wants those needing mammograms to feel comfortable with the services provided on the bus as they are not a step down from those provided in the hospital. 

“Patients will experience the same quality, technology, and comfort available at our breast center,” explained Gardner.  “The equipment is the exact same as what we use at the hospital.  Our Mammo on the Go team is made up of all women who work with our Scotland Health imaging center.  This is not a lesser service being provided for convenience, it’s the best we have to offer.  The goal is simply to ensure easy access to essential breast health services.” 

Those interested in using the mobile service must be at least 40 years old.  There are some exceptions for those under 40 who are at high risk.  In those cases, the Mammo on the Go team will screen in advance to determine eligibility. 

To use the must, there must have been a year since the patient's last mammogram.  Patients should not have any breast issues or concerns (e.g., lumps, focal breast pain, discharge).  Patients must be able to climb the unit stairs and stand for 10-15 minutes without assistance. 

Patients must schedule an appointment to use the mobile mammography service.  Our team will pre-register patients and update insurance information prior to the appointment. 

Uninsured and underinsured patients may qualify for a free screening mammogram, thanks to the fundraising efforts of the Scotland Memorial Foundation. 

“Currently, interested patients must register in advance to receive an appointment,” Gardner said.  “That is not just for insurance purposes.  Our results must be provided to a primary care or specialty physician of the patient’s choice, and we will need time to coordinate this with that provider.  In the event the mammogram shows abnormal findings, further steps may need to be taken, and we will need a physician in place to coordinate those steps with the patient.” 

Anyone interested in using the Mammo on the Go service can call (910) 291-7243 for more information or to schedule an appointment.  Whether you use the mobile service or Scotland Health’s onsite imaging services, Gardner encourages all women over 40 to make time for a mammogram.  

“Taking charge of your breast health is essential in the fight against breast cancer,” Gardner concluded.  “Routine mammograms are a vital step in early detection, greatly improving the chances of successful treatment. Regular screenings can spot abnormalities before they become serious, enabling timely intervention. Scotland Health urges everyone to prioritize their health and stay proactive in reducing breast cancer risks.”