Upgrades at Bulkley Valley District Hospital mean that residents from Hazelton to Houston now have a better chance of getting breast cancer detected early.
Northern Health and area stakeholders celebrated the official opening of the hospital’s new digital mammography services in Smithers Monday.
The health authority says the new mammography unit uses state-of-the-art direct digital technology to provide both screening exams and diagnostic breast x-ray exams. It delivers more sensitive images with less discomfort for the patient.
“Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer for women in British Columbia, yet only half of eligible women are getting regular mammograms,” said Nancy Aldoff, Provincial Professional Practice Leader for the Screening Mammography Program in a news release. “The best chance for survival is early detection and women in British Columbia are fortunate to have access to the latest advances in digital equipment and treatment of breast cancer.”
Funding for the nearly $950,000 upgrade was provided by the Province through the Provincial Health Services Authority to BC Cancer’s Screening Mammography Program.