Charlotte Radiology's mobile unit.

A Charlotte medical practice is hoping a new mobile mammography unit hitting the road next week will help expand early detection of a disease that remains the second leading killer of women. Charlotte Radiology says its bus-sized mobile breast center begins service Jan. 24 and is the first mobile mammography center in the four counties it serves.

The rate of breast cancer among women in Mecklenburg County is more than 120 cases per 100,000 people – above the national average. Nationally, only about 68 percent of women 40 and above have had a mammogram in the past two years, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control.

Registration for a mammogram.

“Our mobile breast center will allow Charlotte Radiology to reach women in the workplace and underserved areas,” Cathleen Bates, Charlotte Radiology Breast Center manager, said in a press release Friday. “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.”

The new 38-foot pink-and-black vehicle will be available to visit businesses, organizations and other locations in Mecklenburg, Gaston, Union and York counties. It has two mammography certified technologists and has a registration and waiting area, two private dressing rooms and an exam room for completing the mammogram. Most exams will take less than 30 minutes.

MORE INFO

To learn more about the mobile breast center or to schedule a stop, visit http://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.

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