"Mammovan" rolls into Renton

To kick off Breast Cancer Awareness month and honor survivors, Safeway, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and Athena Partners & Cancer Survivors held an all-day event in Renton this weekend. The event at a Safeway store featured a barbecue, a "Mammovan" — a large vehicle offering mammograms to women — and a chance for people to donate money to breast cancer research.

Experts at the event said Washington State has one of the highest rates of breast cancer in the country. They urged all women over the age of 40 to get annual mammograms and tried to dispel myths around the exam.

"Early detection is the key to saving lives," said Trish May, founder of Athena Partners and Cancer Survivors and a breast cancer survivor herself. "Through the power of this inredible mammogram van, we know lives can be saved."

The 'Mammovan' will be rolling through Safeway parking lots in King County throughout October. Women may make an appointment by calling (206) 288-7800, but walk-ins are also welcome.