Portneuf Medical Center unveils new mobile mammography bus

POCATELLO — Portneuf Medical Center unveiled over $800,000 of new tech Monday aimed at helping women get screened for breast cancer.

Community and health leaders gathered for the ribbon cutting of Portneuf’s new mammography bus, paid for by the Portneuf Health Trust.

Portneuf Medical Center officials say the bus has the latest 3D technology, which greatly enhances its ability to screen for cancer. This means women won’t have to return as often to be screened.

The mammogram machines also now have “curved paddles,” which makes the experience more comfortable for patients. The bus is meant to reach women across Southeastern Idaho who may not have the access or time necessary to get screened

“It’s all about convenience and getting the public aware that we’re coming to the communities, and getting women in to get screened for their mammography,” Derick Swaner, the Director of Medical Imaging at Portneuf Medical Center, says. “It’s all about reducing cancer rates and early detection of breast cancer.”

Swaner says the bus will start driving around eastern Idaho and serving patients by the end of the week.