In the largely rural region of North Central Florida, just getting access to health care can be a challenge. For example, 15 counties there have mammogram rates that are below the state average. And that lack of health care causes problems down the road: Those same 15 counties have above-average rates of advanced-stage cancer diagnosis, which are the hardest cancers to treat.
Given those facts, the University of Florida is taking steps to bring health care closer to the people. Specifically, UF is putting health care on a bus and sending it out into the community. The UF Health Cancer Center recently debuted a cancer screening bus that’s equipped to offer 3D mammograms as well as cervical, colon and prostate cancer screenings.
The 40-foot-long vehicle is called the Mobile Cancer Screening Connector. The first of its kind in the region, it’s serving a section of North Central Florida that’s larger than Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut combined, according to UF.
The bus and its crew are partnering with community and faith-based organizations to meet with patients where they are, in convenient neighborhood spots such as churches, shopping centers or community centers.
“An important principle that the National Cancer Institute has promulgated over the past decade is intensive community engagement,” says Dr. Jonathan D. Licht, director of the UF Health Cancer Center.
UF Health’s Cancer Center is one of four NCI-designated cancer centers in Florida, along with Mayo Clinic Cancer Center in Jacksonville, Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Miami. An NCI-designated cancer center meets rigorous standards for cancer research, treatment and community outreach. Moffitt and Sylvester already operate similar cancer screening buses.
UF Health’s bus is funded by a $1.5-million grant from the UF Office of the President’s strategic funding initiative and matching funds from the Cancer Center.
The mobile cancer screening bus is staffed by a team of radiologists, physicians, advanced practice registered nurses and health workers. A nurse practitioner specializing in geriatric health helps treat the elderly.
The bus offers the same state-of-the-art 3D mammography technology as UF Health radiology centers. By capturing a more detailed image of breast tissue, 3D mammography helps radiologists distinguish normal breast tissue from possible abnormalities.
Once a mammogram is taken on the bus, images are transmitted via a secure connection to UF Health doctors who analyze them to see if further testing or follow-up is needed. The Connector team works with UF Health oncology nurse navigators to ensure patients have a detailed plan for follow-up care. They also help those who are uninsured to apply for vouchers from the Florida Department of Health to cover mammography costs.
“Right in the front of the bus, you can roll down the shades and close the door and have an exam room right there,” Licht says. “The National Cancer Institute said, get out there and engage with the public. Bring your best science to the public and educate them about what you’re doing and bring them along for the ride.”