Health: Road To Early Detection

By Stephanie Stahl

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A free medical screening service comes to Philadelphia for a limited time only.

Health reporter Stephanie Stahl has the story on why it could be a lifesaver.

It's a mobile screening that is part of a week-long campaign called the Road To Early Detection.

And it's hard to miss!

The medical service is inside a 70-foot long van parked in Center City along John F. Kennedy Boulevard near 18th Street.

The mobile unit fitted with MRI equipment belongs to the Brain Tumor Foundation.

"The mobile MRI unit is designed to offer people the opportunity to find brain tumors early," explained Debby Hirtle.

Debby and her husband Jon Hirtle are sponsors of the unit's visit here in Philadelphia.

The couple reached out to the Brain Tumor Foundation when a close family member was diagnosed with a brain tumor.

They know the importance of early detection.

"Most people develop symptoms and at that point the brain tumor is often more advanced and the treatment options are more limited," said Debby.

The earlier you can find it out, the better your options are and the better the quality of life you're likely to have," said Jon.

The mobile MRI or magnetic resonance imaging scanner can find tumors without exposing patients to radiation.

It's estimated about a million people are living with brain tumors that have not been detected and that's what this mobile MRI unit aims to uncover.

The brain scans from the mobile van will be analyzed by experts like neurosurgeon Adam Sonabend at Columbia University.

"There's not much known about what happens to patients with brain tumors before they develop any symptoms," said Dr. Sonabend.

In addition to finding undetected problems the scans will also be used for research to better understand brain diseases.

"And it is possible that might lead to new treatment to allow people to alter the course of the disease," Dr. Sonabend explained.

If any abnormal results are detected by the mobile van's MRI they will be sent directly to the person's doctor.

The scans are available by appointment only.

For more information on scheduling an appointment: www.braintumorfoundation.org