Meuhedet Health Fund is working to improve early detection rates for breast cancer by operating a Women’s Health Mobile Unit that travels across Israel, making life-saving screening accessible right to residents' doorsteps. Over the past two years, the mobile unit has visited 70 different cities and provided mammogram and breast ultrasound screenings to over 16,000 women.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer globally, with approximately 5,500 women in Israel diagnosed annually. That means 15 women every day join the 2.6 million women worldwide diagnosed each year. Early diagnosis is critical, as the earlier the disease is detected, the greater the chances are for full recovery.
Despite the importance of early detection, compliance with periodic screening tests remains below the goal set by the World Health Organization.
Overcoming barriers to screening
Mira Stivler, Director of the Women's Health Mobile Unit, explains that the unit's main purpose is to make the life saving exam more accessable. "The mobile unit allows us to reach women across the country, regardless of where they live, allowing them to undergo the examination without having to travel far and find time in their busy day to day schedule," Stivler says. She notes that the accessibility significantly raises compliance rates, particularly in the periphery and within the Haredi and Arab sectors, but not exclusively.
Yonat Ran, a nurse and coordinator of women's health at Meuhedet, emphasizes the impact of early detection: "Screening tests increase the rate of early diagnosis and, correspondingly, the chances of recovery". She states that almost 70% of women are diagnosed at an early stage of breast cancer, which carries a 90% recovery rate. Ran also reminds that cervical cancer can be diagnosed through a routine test done once every three years, and women should not forgo this life-saving examination.
Comprehensive care with the 'Pink Line'
Meuhedet's support does not end at the diagnosis stage; it continues through follow-up and treatment, even in cases where a malignant tumor is discovered.
For this purpose, Meuhedet operates the 'Pink Line', a dedicated call center staffed by nurses, social workers, and professional teams. The center offers medical answers, information, counseling, emotional support, and administrative assistance to help women navigate the complex bureaucracy that accompanies the process.
"The moment a woman receives the news that she has a suspicious finding in her breast, she is left feeling confused and frightened," explains Bat Sheva Sapir, Manager of the Pink Line Call Center at Meuhedet. "The 'Pink Line' provides professional and emotional support at the moments when she needs us most. it’s important to give her the feeling that she is not alone, that someone is reaching out and helping her cope with the disease, symptoms, and treatments during these challenging times".
The Pink Line operates during evening hours throughout the week, on Saturday nights, and on Friday mornings. Pink Line contact: *9506
For information on the women's health mobile unit's route and arrival times in each city: https://bit.ly/49hL1f3
This article was written in cooperation with Meuhedet