UF Health Expanded Cancer Screening Program

The mobile clinic grew its reach to 26 Florida counties to provide essential cancer screenings to rural residents.

Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Cancer

Bold vector illustration of a mobile medical clinic parked in a rural Florida landscape, representing community health services. — UF Health has expanded its mobile cancer screening program to 26 Florida counties, aiming to improve early detection for rural residents facing logistical barriers to routine healthcare. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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In 2026, UF Health expanded its Mobile Cancer Screening Connector program to 26 counties across Florida. The mobile unit provides screenings for breast, colorectal, prostate, and cervical cancers to mitigate barriers such as transportation and cost.

Why it matters

The program was launched to bridge the gap in cancer care for rural residents who face significant logistical obstacles in accessing routine screenings. By bringing diagnostic equipment directly to underserved areas, UF Health aims to increase early detection rates.

The mobile unit has facilitated over 300 mammograms and serves as the entry point for care for 35% of its patients, who were previously new to UF Health. More than 150 visitors have returned for additional screenings since the program's inception.

The players

UF Health

This academic health center operates a network of hospitals and clinics throughout Florida that provides comprehensive medical research and patient care.

The details

The program utilizes a unit that travels for up to a week at a time, partnering with local Department of Health offices and cancer control collaboratives to coordinate care. Through the Clinical Community Navigation Program, the initiative provides both direct screenings and educational resources to participants.

The mobile unit service launched two years ago.
The program expanded to its current 26-county footprint in 2026.

The Big Picture

The mobile screening expansion follows the collaborative outreach model established by the Clinical Community Navigation Program. This approach integrates medical diagnostic tools into existing community networks to extend the reach of major academic health systems.

Residents in the 26-county catchment area can now access diagnostic screenings without the need for long-distance travel to major hospitals. This initiative removes financial and logistical burdens, allowing individuals to integrate critical health checkups into their routine.

The takeaway

Early detection remains the most effective tool in improving outcomes for various types of cancer. Individuals living in rural areas should proactively inquire with their local county health department about mobile clinic schedules.