Missouri Baptist Medical Center Mammography Van Provides Breast Health Screenings

One in every eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Physicians say the key to survivorship is early detection, but what happens when someone cannot afford to have an annual screening?

In addition to the comprehensive services provided at the Missouri Baptist Breast HealthCare Center, screening mammograms are offered by Missouri Baptist’s mammography van throughout the region. The van helps reach women, often in rural areas, who otherwise would not be able to afford the screening or who may not have transportation.

The Missouri Baptist Breast HealthCare Center team is dedicated to supporting uninsured and underserved women and serves more than 1,000 women each year. To provide free mammograms and other breast health services, Missouri Baptist partners with organizations like Susan G. Komen Missouri and Show Me Healthy Women. These grant-funded programs help Missouri Baptist host screening events in St. Louis City, St. Louis County and 29 additional counties through the state.

“By partnering with non-profit organizations, local clinics and health care facilities, our mobile mammography van is able to reach many at-risk women and provide education, prevention, and early detection of breast cancer,” said Theresa Taylor, BHCC Grant/Outreach Coordinator. “Each time we our van makes a visit, we are living our mission to improve the health of the people and communities we serve.”

"It was nice to have a van come around to my neighborhood,” said Mary, a Missouri Komen Grant recipient. “I haven't had a mammogram for over 15 years. My sisters have been telling me over and over again to have one. They will be really happy."