Connecting more Native Americans with breast cancer screenings

The Intermountain Health Mobile Mammography Team partners with Tribal and Urban Indian Health Organizations across Montana to bring preventive breast cancer screenings directly to American Indian and Alaska Native communities.  

Nearly 6.2% of Montana’s population is Native American. While the majority of Montana's 78,000 Native Americans live on one of the seven reservations that span the state, many live in urban areas like Billings, Butte, Great Falls, and Missoula.

Reaching these widespread populations can be tough, especially because of their rural locations. But with two state-of-the-art mobile mammography buses, we’re helping these communities access critical preventive screenings that they may not otherwise seek. 

“Montana is such a unique state — we are neighbors helping neighbors,” said Jerri Doyle, director of Nursing Oncology at St. James Hospital. “We want to make sure everyone in Montana continues to live the healthiest lives possible, no matter what corner of the state they live in.” 

St. Vincent Regional Hospital in Billings provides 3D mammography screening for breast cancer to more than 65 sites each year, covering a 300-mile radius in eastern Montana. In 2023, St. James in Butte launched a mobile mammography program with an additional mobile unit, expanding access to western Montana and covering a seven-county region. 

“Although Native Americans generally have lower rates of breast cancer, they face higher mortality because screening isn’t always readily accessible and diagnoses often occur later,” said Caitlynn Gallagher, RN, clinic manager at Butte Native Wellness Center. “By working together to bring accessible breast cancer screening to the Native community we serve, we can help close that gap. Partnerships like the one with Intermountain and St. James Hospital are essential to facilitating early detection and supporting healthier futures.”

The 3D mammography imaging technology finds invasive cancers 40% more frequently than a traditional 2D mammogram.  

“The earlier we find it, the better the survival rate,” said Pam Kaufman, manager of breast imaging and mobile mammography at St. Vincent. “It’s such a curable disease if we find it early.” 

Research also shows that 3D technology reduces false alarms and unnecessary additional diagnostic screenings. This makes a significant difference for Native American women who are often in rural, remote communities. 

“Offering these services directly at our clinic helps ensure Native American individuals receive the care, attention, and early detection they deserve," Caitlynn said.

“We want to ensure all women who need to be screened are getting screened,” said Jerri.