The BIG Pink Bus is on a roll

05/01/2024

Banner MD Anderson’s 3D mobile mammography unit unveiled to the public

Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center recently celebrated the unveiling of The BIG Pink Bus, a mobile mammography unit hitting Valley streets that will offer 3D mammogram screenings to thousands, particularly those in outlying areas. Even though mammograms remain the only screening test proven to reduce breast cancer deaths through early detection, 32% of women with health insurance and 69% of those without health insurance do not get annual mammograms. Inconvenience is a frequent barrier, as women often cite personal and professional obligations, the long distance to an imaging site, or lack of transportation as reasons they might skip this important screening.

Funded by generous donors to the Banner Health Foundation, including the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation, Bashas’ Family of Stores, Copper State Bolt & Nut Co., and the Board of Visitors Care Card program, The BIG Pink Bus will offer the same 3D mammography technology available at Banner MD Anderson’s brick-and-mortar facilities. The 3D mammogram images – the gold standard in early breast cancer detection – will be interpreted by Banner MD Anderson’s team of specialist breast imaging radiologists. Additionally, patients will have ready access to Banner MD Anderson’s comprehensive breast cancer program if further testing or treatment are needed.

“Whether it’s a lack of transportation holding women back from regular screenings, or professional or family obligations that make it difficult to make time for an appointment, The BIG Pink Bus makes it easier to overcome those obstacles,” said Andy Petersen, president and CEO of the Banner Health Foundation. “We are thrilled for this initiative to take off across the Valley! This type of convenient access for all will save lives through early breast cancer detection.”

The BIG Pink Bus is expected to run 200 days per year, bringing 3D mammography screenings to 4,000+ women annually. The bus will be at several special events in the Phoenix metropolitan area in the coming weeks.

“Scheduling a yearly mammogram screening is one of the easiest and most effective tools for treating breast cancer,” said Vilert Loving, MD, chief of breast imaging and co-director of the Comprehensive Breast Cancer Program at Banner MD Anderson. “The mobile mammography unit will bring Banner MD Anderson’s comprehensive breast program and its breast cancer experts right to people’s doorstep. We are so proud to make health care easier for the Phoenix metropolitan population.”

To request more information or to schedule an event with The BIG Pink Bus, please fill out this form.