Proximity could well be one of the key issues when it comes to client compliance with mammography screening programs. According to Norbert Uleer, MD, the responsible radiologist for mammography screenings in the Hildesheim area in northern Germany, “More than 70 percent of the women we invite to be screened in our mobile mammography trailer actually show up at their appointments.” In stationary units, only about 55 percent of the clients show up. “Thanks to the mobile unit, we reach women who wouldn’t have come to the screening otherwise.”

His trailer, with reception desk, waiting area, change rooms, and everything else you would expect in a screening practice, is equipped by Siemens with a MAMMOMAT Novation^DR. “With the Siemens technology, I can achieve the same quality as stationary units, but in a much more comfortable way for the women,” says Uleer. “MAMMOMAT Novation^DR enables low-dose exams in high quality. Thanks to direct image control, we don’t have to call any of the women in again. The whole procedure takes only ten minutes. In combination with the trailer, this is a most elegant solution for mammography screenings for the clients.”

The image data of the up to 85 exams per day is transferred to the central unit via data storage media and reviewed and diagnosed by two physicians independently of each other. Uleer himself reviews their results. Should findings occur and the subsequent consensus conference agrees that action needs to be taken, the woman is called in to the stationary practice within two weeks. “We do take care of the breast cancer diagnosis and treatment of clients that turn into patients, but for all other gynecological issues, they stay with their previous gynecologist,” says Uleer.