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April 20, 2026

When it comes to cancer, timing matters. For Florida Blue member Barbara K., one conversation and one quick screening helped her catch breast cancer early.

Barbara’s journey started at the Florida Blue Center in Clearwater, where she met the Center’s community specialist, Earl Lee, Jr. Earl took a moment to check in, and during their conversation he shared that the mammography bus was at the Center that day.

The mammography bus is a mobile screening unit that brings breast cancer screenings to communities across Florida, and Earl encouraged Barbara to take advantage of the opportunity while it was there.

Barbara had a busy day and errands to run, and a mammogram wasn’t on her checklist. She wasn’t sure she had the time or that she wanted to do it right then.

But Earl remembers feeling this was an important moment not to put off. He didn’t pressure her — he reassured her. With genuine care and steady encouragement, he helped Barbara feel comfortable taking the next step.

Barbara boarded the mammography bus and completed the screening. The results flagged an abnormal scan, and she moved quickly to get the care she needed. Getting a mammogram caught Barbara's cancer early, helping her beat it.

After Barbara’s diagnosis, Earl continued to be a steady source of support, offering reassurance to her and her family as they navigated treatment.

Celebrating cancer-free, together

When Barbara reached a major milestone in her recovery, she returned to her local Florida Blue Center where her journey began. With Earl right there by her side, she rang the bell to celebrate being cancer-free — a full-circle moment after one simple conversation.

“Earl’s encouragement motivated me to get screened,” said Barbara. “If it wasn’t for him and the mammography bus, I may not have caught the issue in time.”

Here to help you

Barbara’s story is a reminder that preventive care, and community-based programs like the mammography bus, can remove barriers and make it easier to get screened close to home.

Health insurance does far more than pay medical bills. It connects you to a dedicated network of health care providers and caring support teams to guide you in getting the right care for the least amount of money out of your pocket.

At Florida Blue, we’re committed to helping our members live healthy, fulfilling lives. That’s why we cover annual wellness checkups and preventive screenings, often for as low as a $0 copay. 

The importance of community support care

Community-based programs like the mammography bus also make it easier for our members to get screened close to home. If a mobile screening option is available in your community, take advantage of it — early detection can make all the difference. 

And if you’re looking for support and resources in your community, talk to a community specialist at one of our Florida Blue Centers or give them a call at 1-877-352-5830.

For Barbara, receiving compassionate, personal support from a community specialist like Earl helped her not only get screened, but also feel less alone along the way.