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I found a lump when I was 18 years old and experienced my first mammogram, having to drive 50 minutes from my home to the closet town that could provide imaging for dense breast tissue and ultrasound at the same location.  So, I was thrilled when asked to share about the new mobile mammography unit rolling out.  It will offer women in Mecklenburg, Gaston, Union and York counties easy access to early screening for breast cancer and could increase the number of women who get an annual screening mammogram.

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In an effort to promote awareness, pink tires are “rolling” across Charlotte and surrounding areas!  Charlotte Radiology, in an effort to increase mammogram awareness, are placing pink tires in local spots just waiting for us to find them.

Here are two simple steps to follow if you’re out and about this weekend in the Charlotte area and you spot a bright pink tire (you aren’t hallucinating):

1. Take a photo of the PINK TIRE (there are 30 in the Charlotte area, so make it a treasure hunt) with whatever you have handy, cell phone or camera.

2. Post the photo on the Charlotte Radiology Facebook page (you will have to like their page before you can post on it) and tell them where you found the tire(s).

Charlotte Radiology’s mobile breast center hits the road Jan. 24, 2011 and will bring early breast cancer detection to locations in and around Charlotte. It’s the first and only mobile mammography center dedicated to the four counties it serves.

Quick Facts:

• Approximately 68% of women ages 40 and above have had a mammogram within the past two years.
• The mobile mammography unit from Charlotte Radiology opens Jan. 24, 2011.
• The ACS recommends women start their annual mammogram routine at age 40.
• To schedule a mammogram call (704) 367-2232 or visit www.charlotteradiology.com
• To request the mobile breast center at your business, call Charlotte Radiology at (704) 334-7811.
• The mobile center is a 38-foot long, state-of-the-art breast screening center on wheels.  The vehicle is staffed by two mammography certified technologistsand includes a registration and waiting area, two private dressing rooms and an exam room for completing the mammogram.

The Charlotte Radiology mobile unit will perform digital mammography exams, which improves exam quality, reduces radiation and shortens exam times.

Each exam will be interpreted by a board certified physician specialized in breast imaging. Most appointments take less than 30 minutes.

“Meeting our community’s breast health needs and saving patients’ lives is our top priority,” said Charlotte Radiology president, Van Moore, M.D., F.A.C.R. “By offering our breast health expertise on wheels, we hope to bring early breast cancer detection services to women in a convenient, accessible way.”

Only 68% of women ages 40 and above have had a mammogram within the past two years, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Charlotte Radiology hopes to improve that number.

“Our mobile breast center will allow Charlotte Radiology to reach women in the workplace and underserved areas,” explained Cathleen Bates, Charlotte Radiology Breast Center Manager. “Our goal is to improve access and educate women about the importance of early detection, ultimately increasing the number of women getting their annual mammogram.”

With the mobile center, Charlotte Radiology will be able to partner with local health departments and organizations to improve access to breast screening for the uninsured and underinsured.

Mecklenburg County has a reported breast cancer rate of more than 120 cases per 100,000 people, according to the National Cancer Institute – higher than the national average.

To learn more about our mobile breast center or to schedule a visit for your business or organization, please visit www.charlotteradiology.com/mobilebc.

To schedule a screening mammography exam, call Charlotte Radiology at (704) 367-2232 or (877) 362-2232 toll free.

A physician referral is not necessary for a screening mammogram, but patients will need to provide their physician’s name to forward exam results.

I was not sponsored, nor compensated in any manner for this post. Charlotte Radiology and Rowan Communications support Blog with Integrity, as do I.