3D Mammography Van builds dozens of partnerships to increase screening in underserved communities

Chanel Pridgen pulled into the parking lot of Churchland High School in Portsmouth and drove away 15 minutes later with the peace of mind that comes with a negative result from a mammogram.

At 37 years old, it was Pridgen’s first screening, and it came three years earlier than her 40^th birthday when the American Cancer Society recommends women consider screening for early detection. Pridgen decided to get tested early because her insurance covered the cost.

“I figured I would come and get checked out because this could save my life,” said Pridgen, a mother of two. “I thought I was going to be very nervous, but at the end of the process I feel really good. I am reassured.”

Sentara’s 3D Mobile Mammography Van has committed to participating in a community event in Portsmouth every month this year as part of Healthy Portsmouth’s “Year of Mammography Project” to combat the city’s high rate of breast cancer deaths.

Iris Lundy, vice president for health equity at Sentara, talks about the importance of mammograms at Churchland High School in Portsmouth  

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) reports 20 out of every 100,000 women died from breast cancer in Virginia between 2016-2020. In Portsmouth, the mortality rate was 26 out of every 100,000 women.

Kavita Imrit-Thomas, D.O., public health director for VDH’s Portsmouth Health District, attributes the higher rate to a lack of screening options. In fact, the city has no dedicated freestanding breast center which forces women to travel to Suffolk or Norfolk for a mammogram.

“The city of Portsmouth has the highest mortality rate in Hampton Roads,” said Dr. Imrit-Thomas. “In our efforts at the Virginia Department of Health to make Virginia the healthiest state in the country, this is very concerning. We have to do better and we will do better and this is a way of doing better.”

3D van surpasses community partnership goal   

The upgraded 3D Mobile Mammography Van was unveiled in February 2023 and launched with the goal of 20 visits to underserved communities by the end of the year. Ultimately, the van visited 59 health equity events – nearly tripling the initial goal. This year, the van continues to increase its outreach, including a new partnership with Old Dominion University Community Care and a revamped agreement with Virginia Beach City Public Schools. 

The van travels to community events, churches, schools, doctors’ offices and businesses throughout Hampton Roads and northeast North Carolina six days a week and averages about 10 mammograms per visit, although some sites have exceeded 20 mammograms in a single day.

Since its inception, the mobile unit has screened 2,616 women and detected 418 abnormal tests resulting in 20 positive diagnoses of breast cancer.

“As we look at the journey of how we can combat breast cancer, we know deploying the 3D Mobile Mammography Van is key and critical,” said Iris Lundy, vice president of health equity for Sentara. “Mammograms are so important because they are the one tool that can save lives. One in eight women are being diagnosed with breast cancer. If we can catch it early, not only is it treatable, it is probably curable.”

Darlene North, team lead for mobile mammography at Sentara, shows off the 3D technology inside the van 

Mobile mammograms are available to all women 40 and older and women 35-39 who verify coverage with their insurance provider. While men can be diagnosed with breast cancer, medical staff utilize diagnostic mammography and ultrasound at a breast center to detect abnormalities.

“The best part is being able to provide a service to people that might not have the ability to travel to a dedicated breast center or reach employees at work so they don’t have to travel or use vacation time for an appointment,” said Darlene North, the team lead who performs the mammograms aboard the 3D van. “The mobile patients are always so appreciative of the service that is provided and it is such a joy to have a few minutes to chat with such wonderful ladies.”

If a patient has health insurance, that information will be gathered in advance over the phone or on-site, and if a patient is uninsured or underinsured, they can complete an application to qualify for financial assistance. Lack of insurance will not be a barrier to receiving care.

Sentara Health encourages women 40 and older to be screened for breast cancer annually.

“Everyone has a right to healthcare,” Lundy said. “No matter who you are or what your circumstance in life is, you are entitled to that. Our job is to make sure it is accessible and that is what we are doing. That is what equity is all about.”

Pridgen said her first mammogram was fast, efficient and painless. She has already shared her experience with family and friends and encourages everyone who is eligible to get screened. 

“Come on out. Bring your girlfriends out. Make it a girls’ day to get your mammogram,” Pridgen said. “The inside is really nice – how they have everything ready for you and set up for you to use. I love this service.”

Women interested in scheduling an appointment can visit Sentara Mammography Services online or call the 3D Mammography Van’s scheduling line at (757) 785-4138.