Banner MD and Larry Fitzgerald Foundation offer free mammograms

Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center and The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation are partnering to expand access to breast cancer screenings in Arizona, beginning with an event on Thursday, Nov. 7.

The first screening event will take place at the Avondale Resource Center, 995 E. Riley Drive, where The BIG Pink Bus, a 3D mobile mammography unit, will offer free mammograms to the public. This partnership is part of TLFF's Breast Believe Campaign, which focuses on providing breast health care and education to underserved communities.

Over the next year, The BIG Pink Bus will visit health fairs, local organizations, and community events across the state to ensure that all individuals have access to breast cancer screenings.

Banner MD Anderson, a collaboration between Banner Health and MD Anderson Cancer Center, will provide follow-up care and educational resources for those who need them. Banner’s team of radiologists will also be available to answer questions and provide information on early detection, prevention, and breast cancer symptoms.

“We are excited to partner with The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation to expand access to screenings in the community,” said Dr. Phillip Koo, Chief of Diagnostic Imaging at Banner MD Anderson. “The BIG Pink Bus is an important tool to bring screenings directly to people who may not have easy access to them. By working together, we’re helping to ensure that everyone in Arizona has the opportunity to take charge of their breast health.”

The *BIG Pink Bus* event on November 7 is the first of many planned for the year-long partnership. The initiative also focuses on educating the public about the importance of early detection, with special attention to at-risk groups, such as Black and Latina women, who are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer at an advanced stage.

National statistics show that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, making early screenings and awareness key to improving outcomes.

 “This partnership with Banner MD Anderson will allow us to continue our mission of ensuring that no one is left behind when it comes to breast health,” Larry Fitzgerald Jr. said. “By bringing the BIG Pink Bus to communities throughout Arizona, we’re removing barriers and giving people the resources they need to advocate for their own health.”

Visit bannerhealth.com for more information.