Stop by the Commons Mall in Federal Way and you might spot a large white van parked near the Chase Bank, 32000 Pacific Highway S., with colorful lettering spelling out Mammogram Van. Inside is the opportunity to access screenings that have the potential to save lives. The van visits several times a month and can also be spotted at community events by request.

The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center (FKA Seattle Cancer Care Alliance) Mobile Mammography program began in 2007, and in the 2024 fiscal year, has served almost 6,000 patients using the vans.

Dr. Diana Lam from the cancer center shared in an email that “we know that mammograms saves lives, and that it’s important that people get mammograms at regular intervals (it’s not a one and done type event) in order for us to find and treat cancers when they are very small.”

The van provides access to these screenings for those who might not otherwise have access or find the time.

“Our program with the Mammogram Van helps remove a barrier for getting regular mammograms so that people can live longer, healthier lives, which is a benefit to our communities,” Dr. Lam said.

In another win for access, patients in Washington state don’t have to wait for a referral from a primary care provider, but they will be asked for the name of their provider at the time of scheduling.

In addition to the convenience of the location, the vans are also a way for communities to access care who statistically utilize preventative care at lower rates. At a recent resource fair held by the Pacific Islander Community Association of Washington (PICA-WA) in Federal Way, they enlisted the help of a similar mammogram van to provide access to the screenings.

The Mammogram Van will be available for screenings at the Commons Mall on Oct. 10 and Oct. 22, as well as Nov. 1, 6, 15 and 20, and Dec. 4, 14, 24, 28 and 31.