Making breast cancer screenings more accessible in Kentucky

Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer found in women — which means early detection is crucial.¹

A mammogram, which is a low dose x-ray of the breast, can help identify abnormal areas or masses, whether or not a woman is experiencing any symptoms.² But despite the importance of screening for breast cancer, access to health care services, cost and a lack of transportation³ can create challenges for many, particularly for those who live in rural or underserved areas.  

To help improve breast cancer screening rates, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Kentucky collaborated with Optum Serve to provide mammograms via a mobile unit at 29 different locations throughout the state.

Mammograms were available at no cost, and with no appointment or referral required. During the two months when the mobile unit traveled through the Commonwealth, 260 mammograms were performed.

“For so many of our neighbors in Kentucky, it’s not possible to travel to a clinic that has screening services as often as they need to,” said Whitney Allen, Chief Enrollee and Quality Operations Officer at UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Kentucky. “By bringing mobile mammograms directly to communities, we’re doing what we can to make it easier and more convenient to receive lifesaving preventive care services — and to raise awareness of why this screening is so important.”

The Kentucky Primary Care Association, an organization that works to promote accessible health care in underserved communities, worked with UnitedHealthcare to coordinate and publicize the dates, times and locations where the mobile unit would be offering services.

In Kentucky, 73% percent of women report having received a mammogram within the last two years, placing the state at 30^th in the nation.⁴

“Our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone,” said Krista Hensel, CEO of UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Kentucky. “When it comes to breast cancer, one way we can do that is by making it as easy as possible for women to get a mammogram. Early detection and treatment can make a difference, and we’re committed to addressing barriers to this important screening so that more women are able to receive this care.”