Hanford mammogram clinic seeing more patients after opening in 2024

HANFORD, Calif. (KFSN) -- Tasha Hall regularly shops at the Walmart on 12th Avenue and Centennial Drive. That's when she came across Mammogram Now.

"At first, I thought it was strange," said Hall. "I was like, 'A mammogram clinic in the store?' But then I was like, 'I bet that's more convenient than going to the hospital.'"

Hall had a recent mammogram at the clinic. She found it easy and convenient. She says because of long wait times, she's had to cancel previous mammogram appointments at other medical offices.

"In the past, that has discouraged me from even wanting to get my mammogram because of the lines," said Hall. "That's why for me, making appointments at my local grocery store is easier."

The Hanford office is Mammogram Now's second location, with the first being in Delaware. The clinic says it's averaging 12 exams per day since opening its doors last year.

RELATED: New walk-in mammogram clinic located inside Hanford Wal-Mart

"The referring physicians are sending them out here, and it's helping patients become more aware," said Ana Morales, a mammography tech at the clinic. "That convenience is allowing people to come in and have their exam done that would otherwise push out their exams."

Women who want to get screened can either walk in or make an appointment. Morales believes having the clinic inside Walmart brings more awareness to breast cancer prevention.

"It feels really good to help, to help quickly and to get patients screened as soon as possible," said Morales.

Women can also opt for an Enhanced Breast Cancer Detection, which uses artificial intelligence to pinpoint any areas of interest or abnormalities. Hall encourages other women to get screened regularly.

"We women so often get so busy taking care of our loved ones," said Hall. "We forget to take care of ourselves, so I feel like it's very important."

Experts say preventative medicine can be the key to a healthy future and long life.

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