ABOUT US

During the height of the oil pipeline construction, mammograms were very difficult for women to obtain. A small group of area women organized to solve the problem. Through their efforts, the Breast Cancer Detection Center opened in 1976 to provide mammograms to Interior Alaskan women.

Mobile mammography was introduced to Interior Alaska communities in 1995 with "Mollie," a mobile clinic designed to serve the highway system. In 1997, we added "Sophie," a smaller and more portable mammography machine, that served the villages off the highway in remote parts of Alaska via airplane.

Because of new federal regulations, "Mollie" was retired in 2002 and donated to Nicaragua for a mobile program there. "Mollie" has produced over 5,000 mammograms in Nicaragua. "Sophie" was retired in 2003 and was donated to the University of Alaska Anchorage to train radiologic technologists. Carrs/Safeway and the Quota Club provided the funds for a new mammogram machine and a new van. We named the replacement "Doris," for Doris Loennig, a former board member.

In 2006, another machine was purchased with funds provided by Nancy Murkowski. That machine was named "Alice" in honor of Alice Lundquist, another former board member. "Doris" and "Alice" are portable mammogram machines that can travel to villages by plane, barge, or in a modified van. They will continue to provided mobile mammography services, allowing women in remote areas to obtain their recommended annual mammograms.

OUR MISSION To increase awareness of the survivability of breast cancer and the benefits of early detection by delivering screening services and educational programs throughout the State of Alaska.