Tennessee Mobile Mammography Unit to Expand Access

A new mobile screening unit will serve women in rural areas starting in early 2027.

Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Cancer

Tennessee Mobile Mammography Unit to Expand Access

Live Poll

Should local health systems prioritize mobile clinics to expand access to preventative screenings in rural areas?

The University of Tennessee currently operates a mobile mammography unit providing screenings to residents in 21 counties, including several rural areas where travel times to facilities exceed 30 minutes. To increase access to these preventative services, the university plans to launch a second mobile unit in December 2026.

Why it matters

Mobile mammography helps bridge the gap for women in rural Tennessee, where distance often serves as a barrier to routine breast cancer screening. By bringing 15-minute diagnostic screenings directly to these communities, the program aims to improve early detection and health outcomes for women aged 40 and older.

The University of Tennessee operates a mobile mammography program currently serving 21 counties, six of which are classified as rural with limited access to stationary screening centers. The unit provides screenings to women aged 40 and older in approximately 15 minutes.

The players

University of Tennessee

A public research university that operates a mobile mammography program to increase screening access for residents.

The details

The mobile unit functions by traveling directly to local sites, allowing patients to bypass long drives to fixed medical centers. To be eligible for these screenings, patients must be at least 40 years old and able to climb stairs independently. The service is available to insured, uninsured, and underinsured patients, providing a critical diagnostic pathway for those who might otherwise delay or skip their annual mammograms.

2022: Rachel Scates received a stage one breast cancer diagnosis.
October 2023: Rachel Scates and Sarah Darby traveled together.
November 2025: Sarah Darby passed away from breast cancer.
December 2026: The University of Tennessee plans to launch a second mobile unit.
January 2027: The new mobile unit is scheduled to begin official operations.

Health Landscape

The expansion of mobile diagnostic units marks a direct response to the persistent challenge of providing medical services in rural areas. It sits within a larger effort to maintain preventative screening standards as access to centralized healthcare facilities remains inconsistent across the state.

Women aged 40 and older living in the 21 served counties can schedule appointments by calling 865-305-9753. Those in rural areas should discuss the timing of their last mammogram with a primary care physician to determine if they are due for an updated screening.

The takeaway

Breast cancer affects approximately 1 in 8 women, making routine screening a critical component of preventative care. Women should keep track of their screening history and discuss the risks and benefits of mammography with their physician, especially if they have not had a scan in over 11 months.