Breast Cancer Screening in
the Digital Age
The key to detecting early breast cancer is
being able to find something smaller than a pen point –
literally locating a needle in a haystack.
By the end of 2008, women in Dufferin-Caledon
will have a high-tech defense in the fight against breast
cancer. Headwaters Health Care Foundation is currently
raising funds to buy a digital mammography machine for the
hospital at a cost of $600,000.
Digital mammography is one of the most
significant recent diagnostic breakthroughs in women's
health. It is also an important piece of equipment that
Headwaters Health Care Centre needs to build a comprehensive
Women's Health Service, which currently includes bone
mineral density testing and ultrasound. With the
introduction of digital mammography, 7,400 women each year
will be able to receive a full range of services in a single
location.
According to Cancer Care Ontario, breast
cancer is the most common type of cancer for women in
Ontario. Digital mammography is significantly better than
traditional film mammography in screening women under the
age of 50 with a family history of breast cancer, or women
of any age who have very dense breasts. It's important to
remember that a mammogram can detect a lump when it is still
very small – up to several years before there are any signs
or symptoms.
While the exact causes of breast cancer are
still unknown, regular breast screenings are the best way to
detect cancer at its earliest stage and begin treatment to
fight the disease.
Digital mammography will help women in our
community find that needle in a haystack.
You can make an online donation
here toward the purchase of a digital mammography
machine or call the Foundation at 519.941.2702,ext. 2303. |
