Ballad Health’s mobile 3D mammography unit expands access to preventive breast screening services for rural communities

Ballad Health has enhanced access to preventive breast cancer screening services to rural communities with a new, 3D mobile mammogram unit.

The unit, which hit the road in 2024, provides 3D mammograms to patients regardless of their insurance status. Funded through a partnership between Ballad Health Foundation, United Company Foundation and Mission Mobile Medical, the unit travels around the region to provide mammograms to underserved communities or women who might not otherwise have access to a mammogram.

“More than 3,500 patients have been served by mobile mammography in less than three years, and there have been more than 300 detections in that same time period,” said Dr. Paula Masters, chief health disparities officer at Ballad Health. “That’s proof that mobile mammography saves lives, and now we’re able to provide the latest and greatest technology anywhere in the Appalachian Highlands thanks to our incredible partners and dedicated community members.”

Mammograms are a critical piece of preventive healthcare for women, as they are the best way to detect breast cancer in its earliest stages, when it is easiest to treat, meaning treatment will be less invasive and can begin immediately following a diagnosis.

Evidence supports women who are at average risk for breast cancer getting mammograms every two years beginning at age 40. Some women with risk factors for breast cancer, such as family history of breast cancer, dense breast tissue, early menstruation before age 12 or late menopause after age 55, might need to start screening earlier.

“Mammogram screenings are the first line of defense against breast cancer,” said Dr. Tamara Musgrave, an oncologist and hematologist at Ballad Health Cancer Care in Bristol. “Seventy years ago, only a quarter of women diagnosed with breast cancer would survive for 10 years after that diagnosis. Thanks to new treatments and, crucially, regular screenings, breast cancer is now considered highly treatable, especially when it’s detected early.” The mobile 3D mammography unit is equipped with the latest technology, bringing state-of-the-art mammogram services to rural communities in the Appalachian Highlands. 3D mammograms give clinicians a clearer view of the breast, which is especially beneficial for patients with dense breast tissue. Because the mobile unit can travel throughout the Appalachian Highlands, it is able to reach rural areas, providing access to women who might not otherwise have access to screening. It can also be booked by employers, much like a blood donation unit, to give working women convenient access to screening services.

“The last thing we want to happen is for a patient to miss their chance to catch breast cancer early because they did not have the means to travel to an office with a mammography machine or they couldn’t take the time off work for an appointment,” Dr. Masters said. “It’s not enough to simply tell women that they need an annual breast screening. As stewards of health, we need to ensure that everyone has the means to access important services, and that’s why investing in this mobile mammography unit is so important for our region. This unit is a lifesaving addition for the women who live in our communities.”

Sheila Coppedge and her sister, Shelby Dinkel, received mammograms from the mobile 3D mammography unit in 2024. The sisters had no family history of breast cancer, but due to their dense breast tissue, their doctors recommended a 3D mammogram. Their decision to have a mammogram that day would change their lives.

Both women had findings, and Shelby is currently in treatment for Stage II triple negative breast cancer, a very invasive cancer that likely would have spread had she waited much longer for a mammogram. They both credit the unit for saving Shelby’s life.

“The health and well-being of our dedicated team of associates is our top priority, and we’re proud to continue our partnership with Ballad Health to make these vital services available,” said Steven C. Smith, Food City president and chief executive officer. “These units provide quick, easy access for our associates to receive screening mammograms. Early detection is key to the best possible health outcomes, and we encourage other business leaders to make this life-saving service available to their associates.” “On behalf of The United Company Foundation, we are honored to be part of this partnership with Ballad Health Foundation in support of the mobile mammogram unit,” said Claire Davis, executive director of United Company Foundation, which contributed $750,000 to purchase the unit. “The Foundation believes that one of the most important aspects of advocacy and activism is working together to improve access to care, supportive services, research and early breast cancer detection. With this mobile mammogram unit, we hope to improve access to care and early detection for women in the Appalachian Highlands.”

The 3D mammography unit travels throughout the Appalachian Highlands, and it can be booked by calling 423-915-5200. Patients don’t need a doctor’s order to receive a mammogram, and businesses that book the unit can then schedule appointments for their employees.