New mammogram suite opens in southeast Fresno

FRESNO, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – More women in southeast Fresno will have better access to breast cancer screenings.

The United Health Centers’ building on Minnewawa Avenue is now able to give mammograms to patients.

“Doing this really improves the community and the accessibility for mammography services for patients. We need to have these services in our patients’ backyards where they live. It’s hard for a lot of the communities to be able to access these things in other areas of the city,” United Health Centers President and CEO Justin Preas said.

Over the past few years, he said they’ve seen issues with women needing mammograms, but just not being able to get one done.

“Last year, we alone referred out over 15,000 women for mammography services and less than half were able to get to that appointment,” Preas said.

Preas says being able to do mammogram screenings on-site is a game changer. He says with this new service, they can screen about 25 patients daily, which adds up to 500 to 600 women a month.

The state-of-the-art machine allows the technician to be precise, and thoroughly check for any issues. Breast cancer is the most common cancer for women worldwide, so having this technology in southeast Fresno is crucial.

While crucial, Preas says it’s also expensive.

“The mammography machine alone was almost $300,000 and to be able to pay for that, we did work through our foundation for philanthropic dollars to be able to help pay for the mammography equipment,” he said.

Appointments are now open, and Preas says they’re hoping to bring the same equipment to their Visalia location soon.

For appointment information call 800-492-4227 or click here .

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