Walk-in mammograms offered at Grafton Farmers' Market
GRAFTON (WITI) -- Mammograms are crucial when it comes to detecting breast cancer early, but maybe due to lack of time or inconvenience, many women don't get it done. Columbia St. Mary’s, however, is making it easier to get it screened at a non-traditional place.
Behind the veggies and the food at the Grafton Farmers' Market Thursday, August 22nd, stood a big pink truck, parked and welcoming women who want to get screened.
“I have seen them before but just not at a farmers' market,” said farmer Sarah Neuburg.
“I've seen it pass by and always thought if I ever got the chance, I'd stop because I'm overdue, said Judi LaFleur.
LaFleur was helping her daughter sell cupcakes at the farmers' market when she noticed the Columbia St. Mary's Mobile Mammography Center. It offers walk-in mammograms, with no appointment necessary.
“It was right here and I just ran out of excuses. I needed to do that because you need to do that,” she said.
It travels to businesses and community events time-after-time, but this, a farmers' market, is a first.
“Really it’s just to try to overcome the obstacle of inconvenience, which we know is one of the primary factors that women have that prevent them from getting mammograms as they should,” said Medical Oncologist Ranveer Nand.
The venue appears to have a following. Within its first hour, five women went through.
“There's nothing to it. It's very good, very comfortable, no pain,” said Leila Paul.
Inside, it's like a typical doctor's office equipped with a mammogram machine and digital screenings. It’s the best way to detect cancer early.
“Breast cancer is going to affect one out of every eight or nine women, so somebody you or I know,” said Nand.
The goal is to get more women to go starting at a place that may be unconventional, but popular too.
“I think it's a great idea. I really do,” said Neuburg.
The idea of having walk-in mammograms at a farmers' market was a pilot. Because of its success, Columbia St. Mary’s will consider having it available at other farmers' markets in the future.