October 26, 2015
Winnipeg's First Digital Mammography Equipment Now Available at Health Sciences Centre: Minister Blady
Patients needing breast cancer detection and diagnosis now have access to faster, high-quality health care services thanks to new digital mammography equipment now available at the Health Sciences Centre Winnipeg, Health Minister Sharon Blady announced today.
“This state-of-the-art equipment provides a new tool to help provide faster breast cancer detection and diagnosis for Manitoban patients,” said Minister Blady. “We are committed to finding innovative ways to deliver even better health-care services for Winnipeggers.”
Digital mammography allows radiologists to view images on a workstation monitor, making it faster to share the information electronically, instead of transferring the images to film.
“This investment allows Health Sciences Centre Winnipeg to continue to provide the best possible hospital experience for patients and families, as well as a positive working and learning environment for staff and future health-care providers,” said Dana Erickson, chief operating officer, HSC Winnipeg, and representative responsible for diagnostic imaging, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. “As Manitoba’s largest hospital, we are pleased to partner with CancerCare Manitoba and Diagnostic Services Manitoba to provide cancer treatment services for Manitobans and others.”
The minister noted digital mammography services were launched in Brandon last month, part of the rollout of a $25-million investment in digital services across the province. Other sites that will receive digital mammography over the next several months include the Breast Health Centre in Winnipeg, CancerCare Manitoba sites in Winnipeg and Brandon, Boundary Trails Health Centre in Winkler/Morden and Thompson General Hospital.
“Through the collaborative efforts of everyone involved in breast screening and diagnostic procedures across Manitoba, HSC Winnipeg is joining the comprehensive Provincial Digital Mammography Services that will create a truly provincial system for all Manitobans,” said Jim Slater, chief executive officer, Diagnostic Services Manitoba. “This is also a significant part of the IN SIXITY cancer patient journey initiative. No matter where patients live, they can be confident in the services being provided and assured that we’re all working together for a timely diagnosis.”
Approximately 90,000 Manitobans have a mammogram every year, with about 50,000 done as screening mammograms through CancerCare Manitoba’s BreastCheck program. The minister noted new digital mobile screening vehicles will be introduced in early 2016 to ensure digital services will also be available to Manitobans living in rural communities.
Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer among women in Manitoba, with almost 900 cases diagnosed each year.
The minister noted this new equipment builds on work to further enhance cancer services in Manitoba by implementing a broader $40-million strategy to improve the cancer patient journey, first announced in June 2011. The goal of this initiative is to shorten the journey from suspicion of cancer as a diagnosis to treatment in less than 60 days, she said.
Many partners are involved in this work including Manitoba Health, Healthy Living and Seniors, CancerCare Manitoba and the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, Diagnostic Services Manitoba, regional health authorities and Manitoba eHealth.
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