NEWS RELEASE
COLLINGWOOD GENERAL & MARINE HOSPITAL
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The CGMH Foundation has launched their annual Tree of Life with an emotional appeal for two new mammography units for the Collingwood G&M Hospital (CGMH) to meet the growing demand for breast care screenings.
Early detection of breast cancer is critical. And that’s why the foundation is working with a generous donor to match donations and help bring not one, but two mammography units to CGMH to detect breast cancer earlier, reduce extra testing, and ultimately, save more lives.
“Our single mammography unit currently performs over 7,000 mammograms each year — whereas most hospitals handle 2,500 exams per unit,” says Jamey Gilroy, manager of diagnostic imaging and echocardiography for CGMH. “With the Ontario Breast Screening Program expansion, we anticipate a significant increase in demand, and therefore we aim to purchase two new mammography units to serve our growing community needs.”
Gilroy plans to dedicate one unit exclusively to screening mammograms, while the other unit will focus on in-depth assessments, ensuring a steady flow of appointments and timely exams.
Thanks to generous donors Teri Yamada and Doug Moxon, every dollar donated to the Tree of Life campaign until Dec. 31 will be matched, up to $375,000, to fund the purchase of the second mammography unit.
The Ontario government has lowered the age for self-referral for the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) from 50 to 40 years of age. This is a critical advancement for all women in our community. And while the government is increasing access, it is up to us to ensure we have the equipment to meet this need. Research indicates that regular mammography screening can detect breast cancer before it spreads. By lowering the age for self-referral to 40, more women can now conveniently access mammograms at any OBSP site. When detected early, breast cancer has a five-year relative survival rate of 100 per cent at Stage 1. However, this rate drops to less than 30 per cent at Stage 4. Thus, early detection is critical.
These new units will also bring contrast-enhanced mammography to CGMH, a significant leap forward in breast cancer detection. Using a contrast agent to highlight areas of concern, this technology provides detailed imaging that is especially effective for in-depth assessments of dense breast tissue.
“Your donation will enable every woman in our community to access the highest standard of breast cancer screening and care,” says Jory Pritchard Kerr, CGMH Foundation president and CEO. “Your support will bring peace of mind to patients, equip the CGMH team with vital tools, and provide families with the hope that comes from knowing their loved ones receive exceptional care. Our thanks go out to Teri Yamada and Doug Moxon for helping to ensure we can expand the CGMH breast screening program to meet the needs of our community.”
To support the Tree of Life campaign, you can make a donation at cgmhfoundation.com.
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