NORFOLK, Va. — Sentara Health is on a mission to make breast cancer screenings more accessible across Hampton Roads.
Right now, Sentara only operates one 3D mammography van in Hampton Roads, which serves a 90-mile radius from Sentara Leigh Hospital in Norfolk. Darlene North, mammography team lead, books appointments for the van and said they were filled very quickly this year.
"We have been booked for all of 2024 since February," North said. "I’m now booked with this one, single van for... 2025 all the way up until May. So, we have a drastic need for another one."
In response, Sentara Health launched a $1 million campaign to fund two additional vans. The goal is to boost access for thousands of women in underserved communities across Southeastern Virginia and Northeastern North Carolina.
"Statistically, I think, this unit-- just this one unit-- has done over 3,000 mammograms," North said. "So, that’s 6,000 more women that we can get screened out in the community if we have more units."
Sentara’s current 3D mammography van has been vital for patients who have trouble accessing traditional clinics due to time constraints, limited transportation, or lack of appointment availability. Sharlene Morgan recently had her second screening on the van and noted how convenient the experience has been for her.
"I had a doctor's appointment, and she told me that it was time to schedule, you know, my mammogram," Morgan said. "And then she was like, well, you don’t have to worry about going nowhere, the van will be here for you to get your mammogram done. I was like, oh, that’s kind of cool, you know, I can get a one-stop shop-- see my doctor, get my mammogram, all in one spot... and it’s comfortable for me."
3D mammography screenings provide a more detailed view of breast tissue by taking multiple X-ray images of the breast from different angles. It helps reduce the chances of false readings, especially in women with dense breast tissue. Sentara Health reported that 3D mobile mammography screenings performed on its existing van in the area have already detected 418 abnormal results, with 20 of those resulting in breast cancer diagnoses.
North said that the new mobile units will give more patients the chance for early detection.
"One in eight ladies are diagnosed with breast cancer. If those people cannot get access to a mammogram, that’s another barrier for them," North said. "I don’t like to not go to a health fair or go to a city and provide mammography because we’re already booked up. The more vans we have, the more people we can service, the more we can get it out into the community and save more and more lives."
Morgan said that the mobile unit has made a big difference for her and the quality of her care.
"They’re professional, they take their time, they talk to you," Morgan said. "You get the same service, I guess, if you go, you know, somewhere else... And it might be a little better."
All donations made to the campaign by December 15 will be matched up to $125,000. If you would like to donate, click here.
For more information on how to help, contact The Sentara Foundation at 757-455-7976 or email foundation@sentara.com.