Breaking Barriers – Addressing Health Disparities with Mobile Lung Screening
Lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths, yet access to early detection services is not equal across all communities. Many high-risk individuals face geographic, financial, and systemic barriers that prevent them from receiving life-saving screenings. Mobile Lung Cancer Screening Coaches are helping to bridge this gap by bringing state-of-the-art screening technology directly to those who need it most.
Understanding the Disparities in Lung Cancer Screening
Despite recommendations for annual low-dose CT (LDCT) scans for high-risk individuals, screening rates remain low. Studies show that:
Only 16% of eligible individuals undergo lung cancer screening.
Rural populations face higher lung cancer mortality rates due to limited access to specialized care.
Minority and low-income communities are disproportionately affected by lung cancer but have the lowest screening rates.
How Mobile Screening Coaches Are Making a Difference
Mobile lung screening programs provide a flexible, scalable solution to eliminate common barriers, such as:
Geographic Distance: Many rural patients must travel 50+ miles to reach the nearest screening facility. Mobile units reduce this burden by bringing screening services directly to these communities.
Financial Constraints: Some patients lack insurance or cannot afford out-of-pocket screening costs. Many mobile programs offer low-cost or free screenings through hospital partnerships and grant funding.
Lack of Awareness & Misinformation: Many eligible patients do not know they qualify for lung cancer screening. Mobile units engage in community outreach, working with local organizations to raise awareness.
Real-World Impact: Expanding Access Through Mobile Screening
One successful example is FirstHealth’s Lung Bus, developed in partnership with USA Mobile Medical and Canon Medical Systems. Since its launch, the program has:
Delivered thousands of screenings in North Carolina.
Detected early-stage lung cancer in patients who otherwise would not have been tested.
Strengthened hospital outreach efforts and improved community health outcomes.
Partnering to Make a Difference
Hospitals, nonprofits, and healthcare providers can expand lung cancer screening by investing in Mobile Lung Screening Coaches. There are various funding options, including:
Federal and state grants supporting mobile healthcare initiatives.
Nonprofit partnerships that help subsidize screening costs.
Leasing and financing options to make mobile units affordable for hospitals and clinics.
Take Action: Bringing Screening to More Communities
By addressing disparities and expanding access to early detection, mobile lung screening programs can save lives. If your hospital or healthcare system is looking to invest in a mobile screening program, USA Mobile Medical can provide the technology, expertise, and support needed to make it a reality.
Contact us today to explore how we can help bring lung cancer screening to the communities that need it most.
Stay tuned for our next blog in this series: Funding a Lung Cancer Screening Coach – Grants, Costs, and Financial Solutions.
