Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among Canadian women, and the leading cause of death amongst women over 50.

One in 9 women is expected to develop breast cancer during her lifetime. One in 28 will die of it.* Breast cancer is not exclusive to women: it affects men as well.

But there is hope. With early detection, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, women and men have a much greater chance of improving their quality of life and surviving this terrible disease.

Diagnostic breast imaging examinations are used to evaluate abnormalities in patients with potentially abnormal screening mammograms or those showing breast-related symptoms.
Royal Columbian Hospital (RCH) is the only site in the entire Fraser Health Region with a breast health centre that provides diagnostic mammography; ultrasound and MRI-guided biopsies for breast abnormalities. In 2008-2009, RCH Mammography and Ultrasound performed 9,300 tests and 1,301 resultant procedures, such as biopsies and surgical preparation.

Obtaining diagnostic images using the current analog equipment is a slow and costly process, and the results produced are not of a consistent quality:

• Requires more time to develop and review the film
• Patients need to wait in uncomfortable positions while images are processed. Further wait time may result if additional views are required
• Analog breast imaging film is costly and time-consuming to store and retrieve
  
• Maintenance support of analog breast imaging processors is limited and will cease in future

Currently, if a patient is referred for a diagnostic mammogram at RCH following an abnormal screening mammogram, she can expect to wait from four to nine weeks for an appointment. During this time, patients and their families are exposed to a tremendous amount of undue anxiety and stress.

The acquisition of two digital breast imaging machines at RCH would significantly increase capacity for diagnostic mammography bookings in the RCH breast health centre and reduce waitlist times for a diagnostic mammogram to within five days following an abnormal screening mammogram result, which is the European Gold Standard in Breast Cancer Care.

This state-of-the-art breast diagnostic imaging equipment also:

• Provide the highest quality images via state-of-the-art digital imaging technology
• Reduce the amount of exam time required for breast imaging, and if necessary, enable additional imagery to be taken immediately rather than having to wait for the film to develop and book another appointment
• Has the capability to allow for more expedient imaging during procedures
• Enable easier sharing of images between surgery, pathology and medical sites
• Reduces manual labour and high costs involved in storage and retrieval of current film handling
• Will attract staff, as most educational institutions are now training students in the use of digital breast imaging equipment
  

Early detection and treatment of breast cancer is fundamental to the survival and peace of mind of patients and their loved ones

RCH Foundation has already raised $500,000 toward the $1.1 million campaign goal to fund two digital breast imaging machines. To learn how you can support the RCH breast health centre, please contact RCH Foundation at 604.520.4438 or visit rchfoundation.com

*Source: Canadian Cancer Society /National Cancer Institute of Canada. Canadian Cancer Statistics 2008, Toronto, Canada, 2008.

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