On Thursday, a new mobile cancer screening service was officially launched at Sarkarez Primary Health Center in Erbil.

The initiative is the result of collaboration between the Nursing & Midwifery Development Center (NMDC), the Breast Cancer Clinic, the Erbil General Directorate of Health, and the Cancer Control Department of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Ministry of Health, with funding provided by LDS Charities.

In a press release the NMDC said the mobile screening unit represents a significant milestone in strengthening cancer prevention and early detection services in the Kurdistan Region.

“Equipped with both mammography and ultrasound technology, the mobile unit will initially focus on breast cancer screening. In the near future, its services will be expanded to include screening for other cancers, including cervical and colorectal cancer. The unit will visit primary health care centers across Erbil and the surrounding areas, where family physicians will refer women to undergo appropriate screening tests.”

The NMDC also added that the initiative demonstrates the value of cross-sector collaboration between an international partner, a local nongovernmental organization, and governmental agencies in improving access to critical health services.

“Cancer is an increasingly serious public health challenge in the Kurdistan Region, and the introduction of the mobile unit represents a proactive response to this growing need.”

The program, if successful, may be expanded to additional areas within Erbil Governorate and, in the future, to other parts of the Kurdistan Region.

“By bringing free cancer screening services directly to communities, the mobile unit is expected to increase access, reduce late diagnoses, and contribute to better health outcomes for the population,” the NMDC added.