Check-In

• When you arrive, you will enter the mobile unit and check in with registration. You must present a photo ID and insurance card (if insured) at check-in.
• Insurance will be billed at the time of service. Funding may be available for eligible Kentucky residents who do not have health insurance. You may be required to provide additional information for financial assistance.

Screening Mammogram

• A mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breasts. A screening mammogram is used to check for abnormalities that can indicate breast cancer in women who have no symptoms.

Receiving Results

• You will receive a letter and/or Norton MyChart notification about your mobile mammogram. If your test results are normal, a time for your next screening will be suggested. Screening mammograms typically are scheduled annually.
• If you receive a call or letter stating your mammogram is abnormal, this does not mean that you have cancer. About 10% of women need additional imaging following a screening mammogram. Only about 1 in 20 women with abnormal results will receive a cancer diagnosis. Abnormal mammogram results can occur due to the size, shape and density of the breast. An unclear image, calcium deposits or many other reasons can cause an abnormal result without signifying cancer.
• An abnormal result does mean that you will need additional imaging and further follow-up. We will talk with you about the result and schedule an appointment for further evaluation.

Women’s Wellness Exam

• A wellness exam is a comprehensive checkup conducted by a nurse practitioner. Your provider will check your vital signs, review your health history, conduct a physical assessment, examine your breasts and may perform a Pap smear to test for cervical cancer. A test for HPV also may be done.

Receiving Results:

• You will receive a letter and/or Norton MyChart notification about your Pap and/or HPV test results. If your test results are normal, a time for your next screening will be suggested. Wellness exams typically are scheduled annually, with appropriate Pap and/or HPV testing as indicated.
• If you receive a call or letter stating your Pap or HPV test is abnormal, this does not mean that you have cancer. It does mean that you will need further follow-up. We will talk with you about the result and schedule an appointment for further evaluation.

• What is a mammogram?

A mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breasts. A screening mammogram is used to check for abnormalities that can indicate breast cancer in women who have no symptoms. While breast cancer cannot be prevented, screening and early detection may find it early, when it’s more treatable.

• How often should I be screened for breast cancer?

Women over 40 should get a mammogram yearly.

• What should I do if I feel something in my breast?

If you feel a lump or have other symptoms, call your primary care provider or make an appointment with the Mobile Prevention Center

• How can I reduce my risk of breast cancer?
  • Exercise most days of the week. Walk, jog, perform yoga — just be active.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Don’t use tobacco. If you do, you can start the quitting process by signing up for no cost tobacco cessation classes

• Limit how much alcohol you drink.

• Is breast cancer common?

About 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. About 1% of men are diagnosed. Breast cancer is the second-leading cause of death in women. Early detection reduces deaths from breast cancer.

• What is HPV?

HPV, or human papillomavirus, is a group of more than 150 viruses. It is spread by sexual contact, including vaginal, anal and oral sex. It is the most common sexually transmitted infection and often has no signs or symptoms. Around 79 million people in the U.S. are infected with HPV.

Certain types of HPV — called low-risk — can cause genital warts in both men and women. High-risk types of HPV can lead to cancers of the cervix, penis, anus, mouth and throat. In some people, HPV doesn’t cause any issues, and the body rids itself of the virus. In others, the infection becomes chronic. There is no cure for HPV infection.

• How do I protect myself from HPV?
  • Get vaccinated. The two-dose HPV vaccine is available for girls and boys starting around age 11. Talk to your child’s pediatrician to get more information.
  • Get screened for cervical cancer.
  • If you are sexually active, use condoms to prevent the spread of HPV.

• What is a pap smear?

The Pap smear test is to detect precancerous cells in the cervix. A Pap smear involves taking a sample of cells from the cervix. The cells are evaluated in a lab, where abnormal cervix cells can be detected before cervical cancer develops. If you have an abnormal Pap smear result, you may need additional testing to confirm or rule out the presence of abnormal cells or cervical cancer.

• How often should I be screened for cervical cancer?
  • Under age 21 – No screening recommended
  • Ages 21 to 29 – Pap smear every three years
  • Ages 30 to 64 – Pap smear with HPV screening every five years, or Pap smear alone every three years
  • Over age 65 – No screening recommended
  • After hysterectomy – No screening recommended

These recommendations are for women with low risk of cervical cancer and with a history of negative screenings. If you have questions regarding screening recommendations, talk with your health care provider.

• What are the risk factors for cervical cancer?
  • HPV
  • Smoking
  • HIV
  • Using birth control longer than five years
  • Giving birth to three or more children
  • Having several sexual partners
• What are the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer?

Symptoms of cervical cancer often do not appear until the disease has progressed, which is why early screening and detection is so important. These symptoms may include abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding after sex or bleeding after menopause, abnormal vaginal discharge, or pain during intercourse. If you have any of these symptoms, talk to your health care provider.

• Why have a primary care provider

It is important to have a relationship with a primary care provider (PCP). Your PCP will oversee your health and keep you on track with staying healthy. If you do not have a PCP, schedule a Mobile Primary Care appointment, ask the staff on the mobile unit or call (502) 629-1234.

If you are interested in hosting the mobile prevention center at your location or event, click here to learn more.

Made possible with support from the Norton Healthcare Foundation.