CKHA diagnostic imaging staff; Lisa Seyes, Julie Page, Jennifer Oslund, Lynn Handsor & Sharron Nevills. (Photo courtesy of CKHA)CKHA diagnostic imaging staff; Lisa Seyes, Julie Page, Jennifer Oslund, Lynn Handsor & Sharron Nevills. (Photo courtesy of CKHA)
Chatham

CKHA Gets Modern Tool To Battle Breast Cancer

Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) has a new digital mammography machine to help fight breast cancer.

Money for the new machine was raised through the CKHA Foundation's $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 at 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."

CKHA says the new machine creates a digital image allowing Radiologists to adjust the brightness, change the contrast and zoom in on the image, which all contribute to quicker and 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.

One in nine Canadian women is expected to develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Radiologists at CKHA screen about 9,000 patients a year for breast cancer.

To date, the foundation's campaign has raised more than $5.7-million.

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