The BIG Pink Bus
Mobile 3D Mammography Unit
Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer for women in Arizona, with more than 6,200 women diagnosed and 920 dying from the disease in 2023. The incidence of breast cancer in Arizona is expected to rise to more than 7,000 cases in 2025, with the steepest trends among young women.
Mammograms remain the only screening test proven to reduce breast cancer deaths through early detection; however, only 64% of Arizona women get their mammograms, and that percentage drops even lower for minority women and women who live in underserved communities. Inconvenience is a frequent barrier, as women often cite being “too busy,” the long distance to an imaging site, or lack of transportation as reasons to avoid mammograms.
Easy access to mammograms—known to reduce breast cancer deaths by 30% to 40%— is critical. Digital Breast Tomosynthesis Mammography, or 3D mammography, has quickly become the gold standard, offering greater accuracy, and finding more cancers than conventional mammography, including detecting invasive cancers sooner.
Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center’s new mobile mammography unit, The BIG Pink Bus, is increasing the number of breast cancer screenings performed in Arizona by improving access to breast health education and 3D mammography screenings.
The average time between screening and diagnosis can decrease from 14 days to fewer than three days as the mobile unit provides a seamless entry point to Banner MD Anderson’s nationally recognized Comprehensive Breast Cancer Program. All mammograms are interpreted by radiologists, and patients needing further treatment will have expedited access to Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center’s specialized breast oncologists and surgeons.
7000+
Arizona women projected to be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2025.
920
Deaths from the disease in 2023.
12.4%
Breast cancer cases are expected to rise by 12.4% in 2025.
Gratitude
The BIG Pink Bus Mobile 3D Mammography Program at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center would not be possible without strong philanthropic support from corporate, foundation and individual donors in our community. On behalf of the thousands of women who will receive potentially life-saving services — thank you to everyone who has supported this program with a generous charitable gift.
Breast Believe: new partnership aims to improve access to care
In late 2024, Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center and The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation began a year-long partnership to help ensure that everyone in the Phoenix area in need of a mammogram has easy access to get one on The BIG Pink Bus. Banner MD Anderson has joined The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation’s Breast Believe campaign, which educates communities about early detection, prevention, symptoms, and access surrounding a breast cancer diagnosis. As part of the partnership, The BIG Pink Bus will be on-site at several events over the next year to help Arizonans stay up to date on their breast health and provide educational materials.
“Teaming up with The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation is a natural next step in our vision for The BIG Pink Bus – and the impact we know it can make on thousands of people in Arizona,” said Dr. Matthew Callister, Banner MD Anderson Senior Physician Executive. “And Breast Believe directly aligns with what we want to achieve -- ensuring everyone is knowledgeable about their breast health and has equitable access to screenings. We are grateful to Larry and his team for bringing us on, and we look forward to driving change together.”
Nationally, 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Meanwhile, reports repeatedly show that Black and Latina women are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer at an advanced stage. Cases are also rising in younger women, making early detection and education more important.
“I’m extremely proud to join forces with Banner MD Anderson’s BIG Pink Bus to provide mammograms and essential breast health resources to communities alongside our Breast Believe partners,” said Larry Fitzgerald Jr., founder of The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation. “This collaboration will further assist in our mission to remove barriers to access and provide equity when it comes to breast health.”
“The BIG Pink Bus truly has the power to be lifechanging,” said Myeisha Andrews, clinical administrative director at Banner MD Anderson. “And thanks to the groundwork laid over the last two decades by The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation, we have a unique opportunity to extend our reach and bring this life-changing screening to anyone who wants or needs a better understanding about their breast health. I look forward to working together to achieve this incredibly important goal.”
To learn more about Breast Believe, please visit TheLarryFitzgeraldFoundation.org.
2025
96 travel days within the community, providing 20 mammograms per day and reaching approximately 1,900 people.
2026
At least 120 travel days within the community, providing 25 mammograms per day and reaching approximately 3,000 people.
2027
At least 144 travel days within the community, providing 30 mammograms per day and reaching approximately 4,320 people.
Continued support will ensure the success of this Mission in Motion!
Banner Health is funding the salaries of the specialized Breast Radiologists responsible for reading patient mammograms, and by 2026 Banner MD Anderson will assume all staffing and operational expenses for The BIG Pink Bus to ensure the program’s long-term sustainability. Banner Health Foundation continues to partner with donors to raise additional philanthropic funding to support the program’s staffing and ancillary expenses for its first two years of operation.
The Board of Visitors - Care Card
The BIG Pink Bus will be the beneficiary of The Board of Visitors Care Card program – a 10-day shopping event that will take place October 2025. The largest retail fundraising event in Arizona, the Care Card raises funds for charities that meet the health care needs of women, children, and the elderly. The program has generated significant support for important causes across the Valley in the past, and for the third consecutive year, The BIG Pink Bus will be the sole beneficiary. Care Cards may be purchased at thecarecard.org or from participating retailers starting in mid-September.
Care Cards may be purchased at thecarecard.org or from participating retailers starting in mid-September.
Ways to Give
As The BIG Pink Bus prepares to hit the road, you can help ensure that the resources necessary for this program’s success are in place through your charitable gifts to the Banner Health Foundation at give.bannerhealth.com/theBIGpinkbusAZ and by purchasing Board of Visitors Care Cards. Gifts of cash, stock or securities, multi-year pledges, and recurring monthly gifts are welcome. As this initiative is long-term, we welcome a gift in your estate plan to provide ongoing support in the future. To discuss giving opportunities, please contact us below.
Contact Us
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