Breast cancer has become a major public health issue worldwide and is the main cause of cancer-related deaths among women (1). South Africa accounts for one out of every four cancers diagnosed and one out of every five cancer deaths among women(2). The rate of breast cancer among the female South African population is rising by the day and is seen as one of the most common cancers among females in South Africa (3) (Appendix II Fig 2 and Table 2) (4). Therefore, education and awareness on breast cancer and cancer as a whole should be introduced to the public and communities (1).
Some of the latest statistics indicate that women with higher education, chronic conditions, and medical aid are more likely to get their mammograms done (5). And that woman living in rural areas are more likely not to receive their screening due to limited affordability, availability, and accessibility of breast cancer services (5).
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It is therefore crucial that females of different communities are made aware of how important the early detection of breast cancer can be (3). It should be taught that regular self-breast examinations and regular mammograms are vital for the early detection of breast cancer (3). This will result in the early treatment of the patient which will contribute to a more effective and positive outcome, and will eventually lead to a major decrease in the loss of life (3).
Therefore, creating this mobile unit will help to build more awareness amongst rural communities that lack knowledge about breast cancer and the effect it can have on one’s life.
The mobile unit traveling through the rural communities of the Western Cape will help to promote early detection of breast cancer and improved adherence to treatment. The following steps are crucial for developing better breast cancer care in rural communities in the Western Cape by addressing the communities’ insights into breast cancer, structural barriers to intensive therapies, the patient's needs and desires for treatment, and the burden of invasive treatments(6).
By increasing awareness of breast cancer and increasing early diagnosis of breast cancer, we hope to reduce mortality and morbidity associated with breast cancer (7). And to serve and to improve the overall breast care service (7).
The main objective of having a mobile truck is to ensure that South Africans have access to breast units, which provide essential breast services (7). The purpose of this unit is to include early breast cancer recognition, workup, and treatment and ensure improved agile services through the healthcare system by shortening waiting times, and efficiently minimizing morbidity and mortality due to cancer progression (7).
The plan is to improve the early detection of breast cancer by promoting community awareness and educating healthcare workers and communities on breast cancer management and breast healthcare (7). Patients with health fears will be given a streamlined referral process and an ideal breast cancer policy will be developed, setting standards for the ideal treatment of breast conditions (7).
Mobile mammography units (MMUs), which were originally introduced to increase geographical accessibility but also to reach deprived women, are now used in several breast cancer screening programs (8). Although few studies have compared mammography screening adherence between MMUs and stationary sites, there are likely to be more in the future (8). According to research, there was also a higher participation rate in the MMU subgroup of women with low household incomes (8). Most women who obtain their mammography in MMU are most likely to have a lower socioeconomic status, which is also less in contact with healthcare services, live in rural areas, and adhere to mammography screening guidelines less than those who receive it in fixed sites (8).
By providing mobile mammography (MM) services, we can improve adherence to mammography screening guidelines and reduce geographic and social disparities in participation in breast cancer screening (8).
The following aspects are essential to achieve high-quality mammography: appropriate positioning and technical factors for exposure; equipment that is in proper working order; appropriate image viewing conditions; well-skilled and qualified personnel such as the radiologist, mammographer, medical physicist); and a modern well-designed equipment (STIPUB1482 (iaea.org)
A mobile mammography program is proposed to demonstrate its cost-effectiveness (9). Women in medically underserved areas can benefit from mobile mammography programs as they can eliminate many barriers to breast cancer screening (9). To establish a cost-effective mobile mammography program, you must find and maintain resources, have appropriate equipment and infrastructure, and have a dedicated team with an efficient workflow (9).