PHOENIX (Oct. 13, 2021) – Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center wants to bring life-saving screening mammograms to more Valley women, especially those in underserved and outlying communities, through a new mobile mammography unit called The Big Pink Bus.
With breast cancer being the most common cancer worldwide in 2021, easy access to mammograms—known to reduce breast cancer deaths by 30% to 40%—is critical.
Nationwide, one-third of insured women and more than two-thirds of uninsured women do not get annual mammograms, despite CDC recommendations. Inconvenience and lack of access are frequent barriers, as women often cite being too busy, the long distance to an imaging center, or a lack of transportation as reasons for skipping this important screening.
This highly visible RV equipped with some of the latest technology will offer convenient 3D mammography—the gold standard in early breast cancer detection—along with access to Banner Health’s integrated care delivery system if further diagnostics or treatment are needed. The Big Pink Bus will also offer screenings at special events, health fairs, and businesses.
The Big Pink Bus requires $1 million in philanthropic support, and the Banner Health Foundation is already halfway to this fundraising goal. Tax-deductible gifts will provide immediate access to potentially life-saving screenings to some 4,000 women in the first year alone. Donor recognition opportunities are available on the unit.
For more information and to donate, visit www.thebigpinkbusaz.com.
About Banner Health Foundation
Established in 2001, the Banner Health Foundation engages the community and stewards charitable contributions to advance Banner Health’s nonprofit mission of making health care easier so life can be better. Contributions are invested locally to support patient care programs and services operated by Banner’s many hospitals and health care facilities across Arizona. For more information, please visit www.bannerhealthfoundation.org.
For further information contact us at: [email protected]