This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Southlake Regional Health Centre has added three state-of-the-art mammography machines, which will expand screening to 1,500 more women annually.
“The new mammography machines will help Southlake meet the growing demand for breast cancer screenings and diagnostics, with the best technology available,” Lorrie Reynolds, director, regional cancer program at Southlake, said in a news release.
More than 11,700 individuals have been screened so far in 2024, the hospital said.
On average, 84 Canadian women are diagnosed with breast cancer every day, making it one of the most common cancers affecting women.
Two of the three new mammography machines have biopsy capabilities that reduce the amount of time needed to complete a mammogram and improve detection and diagnostics capabilities.
Southlake provides publicly funded mammograms to women ages 40 to 49 through the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP). All women ages 40 and older can self-refer for a mammogram and are encouraged to talk to their health-care provider about whether screening is right for them.
Mammogram appointments can be scheduled by calling Southlake’s OBSP at 905-895-4521, ext. 6228, or the main OBSP booking line at 1-800-668-9304.
“We know that early detection can lead to better patient outcomes,” said Ellen Speight, director, laboratory and diagnostic imaging at Southlake. “We’re already seeing the impact these new machines are having on women in our communities.”
The World Health Organization anticipates a 77 per cent increase in cancer diagnoses by 2050. Southlake serves some of the fastest-growing communities in Canada and anticipates that the number of patients requiring cancer care will grow.
The new mammography machines were funded with support from community donors who generously gave to Southlake to support investments into women’s health at the hospital.
“The generosity of our donor community and the impact they have made for women receiving a cancer diagnosis and treatment at Southlake is something we can all take great pride in,” said Jennifer Ritter, president and CEO of Southlake Foundation. “Thank you, to every donor who contributed to these critical upgrades, ensuring women in our community can be confident that they are receiving leading-edge cancer care, close to home when they need it most.”
For more information or to make a donation, visit southlake.ca/HERE.
