Mobile Clinic Transforms Lives with Breast Cancer Screenings

A mobile health clinic in North Texas is making significant strides in breast cancer detection, providing vital screenings to those in need. Ariana Saldierna, a resident of Arlington, received a life-changing diagnosis after participating in a mammogram screening during a mobile health event earlier this year. Initially hesitant due to a previous benign issue, Saldierna’s decision to get screened was propelled by a friend’s encouragement. Just a week later, the 42-year-old learned she had been diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer.

“I had been seven months unemployed, and I didn’t have any money, so the mobile clinic was a big help for me,” Saldierna shared. “I don’t see how I would have done it without them.” The Texas Health Resources Wellness for Life Mobile Health Program, which facilitated her screening, offers no-cost services aimed at individuals who are uninsured or underinsured.

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, one in eight women will encounter a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. Saldierna’s experience underscores the importance of accessible healthcare services. “The news hit hard,” she noted, expressing gratitude for the mobile unit’s presence in her community.

Expanding Services and Community Impact

The mobile clinic began its operations in 1993, initially focusing solely on mammograms. Over the years, it has expanded its offerings to include services such as prostate cancer screenings and diabetes blood tests. In the past year alone, the program performed 3,156 mammograms, according to Texas Health.

Nina Burgos, the director of the mobile health program, mentioned that requests for mammogram testing surge annually in October, coinciding with Breast Cancer Awareness Month. “Early detection isn’t just about finding cancer, it’s about preserving futures,” Burgos emphasized. “Every early detection is a life given them more time, more birthdays, more memories, more moments with their loved ones.” The program actively seeks new communities to serve, ensuring that more individuals can benefit from their services.

Dr. Kathleen Crowley, the program’s medical director, highlighted the initiative’s roots in a National Cancer Institute study conducted in 1992. This research demonstrated that tamoxifen could be effectively used to treat breast cancer, prompting Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth to invest in mobile screening units to enhance breast cancer detection efforts.

“We have made some sort of impact in the lives of people around us,” Crowley said, reflecting on the program’s success in increasing breast cancer awareness. As she prepares to step down from her position in December, Crowley expressed pride in the program’s growth and its continued commitment to serve the community.

Advocacy and Awareness

Saldierna continues to navigate her cancer treatment at Parkland Health while advocating for breast cancer awareness. She encourages friends and family to prioritize their health and get screened. “I know it’s a very scary thing to do — I was scared,” she stated. “But I hope they get the courage to go out there and get checked and get it over with, rather than waiting and finding out later that you have cancer.”

As the mobile health program continues its mission, it stands as a beacon of hope for many in North Texas, proving that accessible healthcare can truly change lives. Through its unwavering dedication to early detection and community service, the program embodies a profound commitment to improving health outcomes for all individuals, particularly those who may face barriers to care.