Mayo unveils mobile cancer-detecting unit

Van will begin operation June 27

Women in the Coulee Region who may need to get breast exams won’t necessarily have to drive to La Crosse or a nearby clinic anymore.  

Mayo Clinic has created a small examining room with 3-D mammography equipment inside a van that will travel throughout the region. It will be put to use beginning June 27. 

Mayo radiologist Dr. Richard Ellis says the computerized equipment in the van detects breast cancer much better than technology used just a few years ago.

“The most imp feature is that it increases the cancer detection rate for small breast cancers,” he said. 

The van also includes a furnished waiting area, including a microwave oven.