In fall 2019, Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) unveiled the 癌症筛查 and Education Bus. This state-of-the-art mobile clinic brings HCI’s expertise and the latest 筛选 technology to residents across Utah, including those who live in distant areas and rural communities. This new service affirms HCI’s commitment to addressing the cancer-related needs of our state.
Utah has long been listed among the states with low breast cancer 筛选 rates, regardless of insurance coverage. In addition, Utah leads the nation in melanoma incidence rates, a trend that continues to rise.
Finding cancer early is one of the most important ways to increase a person’s chance of survival. Efforts to increase access to breast and skin cancer 筛选s are a top priority for HCI.
The exterior of the 45-foot-long, custom-designed bus includes photos of Utah’s diverse residents and was inspired by community members, 包括人机交互的 Community Advisory Board. The interior reflects the healing space of HCI’s cancer hospital and is equipped with the latest in 3D mammography equipment, 检查室, private changing rooms, a waiting and education area. It also includes an ADA-approved wheelchair lift to guarantee accessibility to all. 病人 who require follow-up care are referred to HCI’s hospital or community clinics in 盐湖城, 法明顿, 约旦南部, 糖的房子.
"We have an enormous opportunity to bring HCI-level care into areas that are unable to connect to our brick-and-mortar locations,” 唐·米利根，MBA, executive director of HCI’s hospital. "Our bus is on the road year-round to meet people where they live and work, making it convenient for them to be 屏幕ed."
Through a robust network of partners, including the Utah Department of Health, University of Utah Health, the Association of Utah 社区卫生, the American Cancer Society, the potential for impact is huge. In just four months, 632 women received mammograms in urban, rural, frontier counties. More than half of the women identified as low-income and many had never had cancer 筛选 before HCI’s visit.
"To make a real difference for women in Utah, we must focus on underserved and targeted communities,” Lynette Phillips, MPA, manager of HCI’s mobile 筛选 program. "There is a misconception that HCI services are only accessible to certain populations or communities. HCI is not just a destination hospital. We are a dedicated community partner working with every community to connect, 屏幕, 预防癌症."
One of the first 筛选 events took place at the Urban Indian Center of Salt Lake, a trusted community partner that serves American Indian/Alaska Native residents along the Wasatch Front. It is a gathering place for individuals and families that provides programs and services in primary care, 行为健康, 以及社会服务.
"Cancer 筛选 and early detection is timely and important,” 莫里斯（莫）史密斯, Executive Director of the Urban Indian Center of Salt Lake. "If we are going to make an impact, we must work in true collaboration together as a community. We look forward to strengthening our relationship into the future to improve community health for American Indians, who are often disproportionately affected by cancer."
了解更多关于 筛选 at the Huntsman Cancer Institute.
Mammograms can find breast cancer early, when it is easiest to treat. Yet Utah has one of the lowest mammography rates in the United States. 为了解决这个问题, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention selected Utah as one of three states to participate in a Communities of Practice (CoP) initiative. Huntsman Cancer Institute is partnering with the American Cancer Society, Utah Department of Health, Intermountain Healthcare in this initiative to improve breast cancer 筛选 rates and in communities across the state.
