Safeway Foundation helps UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center provide free mobile mammograms

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 free mammograms for uninsured women on board the MobileMammo+ bus, launched in March. The 45-foot clinic-on-wheels is equipped with advanced 3D mammography technology.

The cancer center's BLOSSOM (Breast Lifesaving Outreach Screening Services on the Move) is a mobile mammography program that brings free, high-quality breast cancer screenings directly to underserved neighborhoods across the region.

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.

"Early detection saves lives. BLOSSOM is removing barriers to care by offering screenings at no cost to patients that do not have insurance or are underinsured," said Julie Dang, assistant director for the Office of Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) at the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Partnering with trusted local organizations - including faith-based groups, 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.

"More than 30% of people are inadequately screened for breast cancer and rates are even lower among medically underserved communities," said Diana Miglioretti, chief of biostatistics at UC Davis and a breast cancer researcher who will study outcomes from the new program.

Enabling timely follow-up care

To make sure no one is left behind, the program provides transportation assistance and 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.

"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 COE. "With the MobileMammo+ bus, we're bringing leading-edge technology and compassionate care directly to the neighborhoods that need it most."

In 2024, Safeway along with the Safeway Foundation contributed more than $55 million in food and financial support to charitable organizations within the Northern California Division. Safeway Northern California is a division of Albertsons Companies.