CENTRAL WISCONSIN — Marshfield Clinic’s Mobile Screening Unit delivers state-of-the-art breast cancer and bone density screenings monthly to rural Wisconsin residents whom otherwise would not have easy access to the services.

For the past two decades, national breast cancer death rates have dropped, possibly due to earlier disease detection and improved treatment options. More than 230,000 women in the U.S. are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, according to American Cancer Society estimates.

“Screening mammography is important because it’s the first line of defense in the fight against breast cancer. Early detection is the key to successful treatment,” said Myron Gadke, Mobile Services manager. “Marshfield Clinic believes it’s important to provide mobile mammography services because many women we see would not have access close to home to mammograms.”

Marshfield Clinic’s three digital mobile mammography units provide state-of-the-art mammograms to women in Wisconsin. The units feature digital imaging equipment and computer-aided detection for precise integration of image data. This equipment allows for the best possible image, less patient discomfort, and efficient data transfer to physicians across the Clinic system, which leads to faster mammography exam interpretation.

During a one-on-one mammography screening, licensed and certified female technicians from Marshfield Clinic conduct a thorough medical history, answer questions, and perform an exam.

Screening is open to anyone, but advance appointments are required. Call 715-221-6086 to schedule an appointment. For bone density screenings, contact your provider to see if you are eligible.

For patients with health insurance or Medicare, the mammogram costs will be billed to their health insurance provider. Patients should check with their insurance to make sure Marshfield Clinic is a network provider. Financial assistance may be available to those that qualify. Call the Marshfield Clinic Patient Assistance staff at 715-389-4475 to see if this is an option.

The Catherine Fonti Breast Cancer Angel Fund was established by the Fonti family in honor of Catherine, who had breast cancer. Its purpose is to assist women who cannot afford mammograms. The fund is supported by the annual Fore a Cure golf event, which is held in Wausau and organized by the Fonti family and Furniture & ApplianceMart. Proceeds from this event also helped purchase the Clinic’s first mobile mammography unit. Additional contributors to the Catherine Fonti Breast Cancer Angel Fund include Pink Heart of Wisconsin and The Sports Den in Marshfield, which held a raffle during its annual bike ride to raise money for this cause.

Marshfield Clinic’s first digital mobile mammography unit entered service in 2007. At the time it was the first digital mammography unit operating in the Midwest. Major supporters for the first mobile mammography unit included Security Health Plan, Furniture & ApplianceMart, and the Green Bay Packers.

The second unit began operations in December 2009. Funding came from the federal American Reinvestment and Recovery Act though the assistance of the Family Health Center of Marshfield, Inc. and U.S. Rep. Dave Obey. Additional donors included Furniture & ApplianceMart and members of the community.

The Clinic’s third unit, which also offers primary care services, launched in May 2014. The unit received support from numerous community donors, including a $250,000 donation from Associated Bank.

For more information about Mobile Health Services, visit the Marshfield Clinic website.

Marshfield Clinic’s Mobile Screening Unit will offer digital mammography and digital bone density screenings in February at the following locations: