The Safeway parking lot in Kirkland hardly seems like a health-care center. But for the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance’s MammoVan, it’s a regular stop to bring breast imaging services to women.

Reaching out to more women in the area, the MammoVan, a mobile mammography van, sets up shop in different locations throughout the month. It’s back in the Safeway lot, located at 14444 124th Ave. N.E., today, Dec. 17 and Tuesday, Dec. 30. The MammoVan also will be stopping by locations in Bellevue, Redmond, and Issaquah. (Visit www.seattlecca.org/mobile-mammography-service.cfm for a full calendar listing of destination and available appointment times.)

Digital mammography, a non-invasive X-ray of the breast, can detect breast cancer at its earliest, most curable stages. The SCCA was the first to offer digital mammography in Seattle. Women age 40 and over should have routine screening mammograms for breast cancer on a yearly basis, health officials say.

According to the SCCA, between 1987 and 2000, the percentage of 40 year-old women in the U.S. who reported having a mammogram during the previous two years increased dramatically from 39.1 percent to 70.1 percent. Early detection is key and the increase in the use of mammography over time has aided in reducing mortality from this disease.

For busy women on the go, the convenience of the mammography van provides an alternative way to obtain a mammogram by using health clinics, stores, and other locations for on-site mammograms. The SCCA’s state-of-the-art mobile digital mammography van was donated by Safeway.

To schedule a mammogram, call 206-288-7800.