Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) is excited to announce the addition of a new digital mammography machine to the Diagnostic Imaging Department.
Purchasing of the new digital mammography unit was made possible by the Foundation of Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, as part of the $6.9 million Diagnostic Imaging Equipment Renewal Campaign.
“Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis in Canadian women,” says Dr. Francis Musyoki, Physician Associate to Diagnostic Imaging, CKHA.
“Digital mammography allows Radiologists to detect breast cancer earlier and with a higher degree of confidence. In turn, early detection allows us to provide less invasive treatment options and greatly reduces the risk of our patients dying from breast cancer.”
Building upon earlier investments in digital mammography, the newly installed machine is an essential ally in CKHA’s fight against breast cancer.
Digital mammography equipment creates a digital image allowing Radiologists to adjust the brightness, change the contrast and zoom in on the image, all features contributing to quicker, more thorough assessments.
The new unit also benefits patients by reducing radiation exposure and features increased speed of imaging, more comfortable compression paddles and soothing lighting to reduce discomfort during screening.
Upon viewing the new machine before it was commissioned on Monday, first time mammography patient Tawnya Smith said, “I was really nervous coming here for the first time. This machine is so much more inviting and will give patients a more relaxed experience.”
One in nine Canadian women is expected to develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Radiologists at CKHA screen approximately 9,000 patients a year for breast cancer. The new mammography unit is an essential tool in providing those patients with earlier and more accurate detection.
“This new mammography unit is crucial in the early detection of breast cancer,” states Lori Marshall, CEO, CKHA.
“Technology is always improving and it is extremely important for Chatham-Kent Health Alliance to progress and provide high quality screening and patient care for our community.”
To date, the Foundation has raised more than $5.7 million for the CKHA Diagnostic Imaging Equipment Renewal Campaign.
“It is thrilling for the Foundation and our donors to see the new equipment being installed,” says Gaye Thompson, Chair, Foundation of CKHA Board of Directors and Patient Advisor, CKHA.
“The $6.9 million Diagnostic Imaging Equipment Renewal Campaign is raising funds to support the purchase of many new life changing pieces of equipment that is going to improve lives, including this new mammography equipment. I know the community is going to help us reach our fundraising goal and finish this campaign strong.”
In an effort to raise necessary funds for the renewal campaign, the Foundation of CKHA annually hosts five signature events including, Parade of Chefs, Christmas Wish Tree, Chatham-Kent Pumpkin Run, Charity Curling Classic, and Pro/Am Golf Tournament.
The Foundation also benefits from many generous donors including local service clubs, businesses and community members.
“Thanks to the generosity of our community, state of the art equipment purchases are possible. The passion for healthcare in our community is palpable and we are seeing the tangible results,” says Mary Lou Crowley, Executive Director, Foundation of CKHA.
For more information on the Foundation of CKHA or to become involved in the Foundation’s fundraising efforts please visit, http://www.foundationckha.com/.
For more information on services available through CKHA please visit, www.ckha.on.ca.
