University Hospital in Newark is bringing breast cancer awareness and screenings to the people who need it most.

“The beauty of our services is that we meet women where they are. They don’t have to come in, we go to them," says Valencia Maponya, Mobile Health Program manager at University Hospital.

In March 2024, the hospital launched their "Mammography in Motion" bus to give women in underserved communities a fighting chance against the disease.

“Black and brown women are at an increased risk for breast cancer at a younger age. So, it is important for us to make sure that they are aware of their risks and we provide that risk assessment here as well as breast cancer screening,” says Dr. T. Salewa Oseni/Breast Surgical Oncologist, University Hospital.

According to the American Cancer Society, Black women have a 40% higher breast cancer death rate than White Women despite a 4% lower incidence rate.

The overall goal is to service 4,000 women in Essex and surrounding counties in a year.

The hospital is partnering with health departments, health centers, faith-based communities and more to get this bus exactly where it’s needed for easy, quick accessible care.'

The Mammography in Motion bus has cutting-edge technology where when a woman comes in to get screened, their images go straight to radiologist at the hospital who will review it. The women will then be notified within a week if there something concerning found.

“I think it is a critical component. As a woman looking for service - you want to know that not because you are underserved or challenged in some ways that your care is any less,” says Maponya.

To bring quality care right to someone's front door is a team effort. The hospital is collaborating with the Connie Dwyer Breast Cancer Foundation. The foundation's philanthropic donation helped to launch the program.

“Really leveling the playing field of health equity. It is important to us. So, it ensures that all women regardless of their financial stability or if they are underinsured or underserved that they can all get mammograms," says Sarah Roberts, executive director at the Connie Dwyer Foundation.

For more information on Mammography In Motion at University Hospital, click here.