BLOSSOM expands access to lifesaving breast cancer care
UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center is expanding access to its new mobile breast cancer screening clinic thanks to a $32,000 grant from the Safeway Foundation. The grant will help fund mammograms for under-resourced women onboard the MobileMammo+ bus.
The funding will help grow a new program called BLOSSOM (Breast Lifesaving Outreach Screening Services on the Move). The initiative will bring high-quality breast cancer screenings directly to underserved neighborhoods across the region.
“Early detection saves lives. BLOSSOM is increasing access to care and helping women who need assistance paying for their screenings, including those who are uninsured or underinsured,” said Julie Dang, assistant director for Community Outreach and Engagement at UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, who is leading the program.
If women can’t come to UC Davis Health, we’ll go to them
The MobileMammo+ bus is staffed by certified breast imaging technologists and delivers the same level of care found at UC Davis Health clinics, but with the added convenience of meeting women where they are. The 45-foot-long clinic-on-wheels is equipped with advanced 3D mammography technology.
“Safeway is proud to support the launch of BLOSSOM, a clinic that meets people where they are, physically, culturally and emotionally,” said Karl Schroeder, division president of Safeway Northern California. “We take great pride in raising funds to advance breast cancer research and treatment, and UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center is one of more than 30 organizations we’re honored to partner with in this important work. Together, we’re strengthening the health and well-being of the communities we serve.”
The program aims to reach approximately 500 women through outreach, education and screenings, with five major community events planned this year and next.
“The Safeway grant will support these events, covering costs such as equipment setup, educational materials, venue fees, transportation and comfort items to create a welcoming environment,” Dang said.
Making a difference in the breast cancer fight
By bringing care directly to the community, BLOSSOM is working to close the gap in breast cancer outcomes.
“BLOSSOM is more than a mobile clinic — it’s a promise to our communities that no woman should be denied access to lifesaving breast cancer screenings because of where she lives or what language she speaks,” said Laura Fejerman, associate director of Community Outreach and Engagement. “With the MobileMammo+ bus, we’re bringing leading-edge technology and compassionate care directly to the neighborhoods that need it most.”
Partnering with trusted local organizations, including faith-based groups, community health clinics and the Sacramento Food Bank, BLOSSOM will host screening events at familiar and accessible community locations. These events will also offer culturally and linguistically tailored breast health education to encourage participation.
EMBRACE program unites mobile screening and community education
In yet another boost to MobileMammo+ outreach efforts, the cancer center has received a $250,000 research grant by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Oncology Research Program to improve breast cancer outcomes.
The grant will fund a new program called EMBRACE (Education and Mobile Mammography for Breast Cancer Resources, Access and Adherence via Community Engagement).
EMBRACE combines mobile screening with community-driven education and support to make breast cancer care more accessible, timely and culturally responsive. The initiative will employ the MobileMammo+ bus and will also be led by Dang.
“By integrating trusted community approaches with mobile services, EMBRACE will create a model that not only increases screening but also ensures timely care after abnormal results,” Dang said. “The ultimate goal is to reduce persistent disparities in breast cancer outcomes and build a program that can be adapted and scaled in diverse communities.”
Building on BLOSSOM’s foundation, EMBRACE empowers women to feel informed and confident throughout their breast cancer screening experience, including what to expect before, during and after their mammogram. The program also implements innovative strategies to improve follow-up rates, including tailored behavioral messaging, and uses patient navigators to guide women through additional imaging and any subsequent steps needed for timely care.
Enabling timely follow-up care
To make sure no one is left behind, the program provides patient navigation services for women who need follow-up care after their screening. From diagnosis to treatment, BLOSSOM will help guide patients every step of the way.
“More than 10% of those screened require additional imaging, with even higher rates observed among women from medically underserved communities,” said Diana Miglioretti, professor and division chief of biostatistics at UC Davis and a breast cancer researcher who will study outcomes from BLOSSOM. Miglioretti also heads up the mobile mammography program for the cancer center.
The overall goal is to increase breast cancer screening and reduce delays in follow-up care by addressing barriers at multiple levels — personal, social and structural.
“We’re honored to support these researchers as they seek to improve the quality of care across the breast cancer continuum of care,” said NCCN CEO Crystal S. Denlinger.
Novartis provided the funds for the two-year program.
