Groves Hospital Foundation launched a fundraising campaign in June of this year, with the goal of raising $625,000 by March 31, 2015, to purchase a new state-of-the-art digital mammography machine for the Diagnostic Imaging Department.
Groves Hospital completed mammograms on approximately 2,700 patients last year, and has raised about $269,994 so far for the digital mammography machine.
“Our current film machine was installed in 2001 and is out of date with the newest technology. Since it’s a known fact that early diagnosis is the key to survival, less aggressive treatment and ultimately cures, individuals that come to Groves Hospital deserve the latest technology for their mammograms,” a recent press release states. “Digital mammography is the standard of care in breast cancer detection.”
The press release also states the new digital mammography machine offers patients the following advantages:
– reduced waiting time before diagnosis;
– exam time and radiation dose slightly reduced for patient;
– may help avoid an invasive surgical procedure and unnecessary hospitalization;
– reduces period of immobilization;
– abilty to screen more women in less time, reducing wait lists;
– images available within 10 seconds;
– less radiation is used than with conventional mammography;
– studies have shown increased detection of cancers in patients with dense breasts using digital mammography; and
– fewer repeat exposures required.
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, the most reliable method of finding breast cancer early is screening mammography.
Screening for breast cancer is recommended for women between the ages of 50 and 69 years old, and should be done every two years.
Women between the ages of 40 and 49 should discuss their risk of breast cancer with their doctor, as well as women 70 years of age or older, to discuss a screening program best-suited for them.
“Don’t wait until it’s too late – start getting screening mammograms today. The best way to treat breast cancer is to detect it early,” said Dr. Nicholas Plaskos, Radiologist.
Groves hospital wants their patients to feel confident and have peace of mind that the best mammography equipment is available here, and not have to leave home for testing.
Anyone interested in making a donation is invited to visit Canadahelps.org.
