News release

New Digital Mammography Unit Unveiled

Health (to Jan. 2011)

Five new full field digital mammography units in the province will reduce wait times for breast screening. The new units, now available in every region, also allow for earlier detection, supporting government's commitment to better health care for families.

Ministerial assistant Gary Ramey, on behalf of Health Minister Maureen MacDonald, was in Bridgewater today, April 14, to officially unveil one of the new machines at the South Shore Regional Hospital. The other four units are in Truro, Amherst, New Glasgow and Antigonish.

"New digital mammography units means more patients can be screened and the quality of results are improved," said Mr. Ramey. "This supports the plan to improve wait times for patients and make life better for families in every region."

The digital units allows for increased capacity resulting in reduced wait times both for diagnostics and screening. It is estimated that 60 per cent more patients can be tested using the digital mammography units.

In addition, the units provide better image quality allowing the detection of cancer earlier and at the same time using less radiation.

"Screening for breast cancer can save lives and detecting and treating it early are key," said Maureen Summers, CEO for the Canadian Cancer Society, Nova Scotia. "The new technology will enhance images and find some breast tumors that are more difficult to visualize on traditional film. We are pleased the provincial government has recognized and addressed the need for upgraded mammography equipment across the province and we applaud their ongoing commitment to the Nova Scotia Breast Screening Program and the health of Nova Scotians."

Mammography screening is the most sensitive method for the detection of breast cancer at its earliest possible stage allowing better treatment options and improved outcomes.

"The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation commends the Nova Scotia Department of Health for their completion of the rollout of full field digital screening," said Nancy Margeson, foundation CEO, Atlantic region. "It has been our pleasure to support this project."

Nova Scotia already has the only breast screening program in Canada with integrated screening and diagnostics. These five new digital mammography machines support the growth of this early detection program. Digital mammography units are already in Yarmouth, Kentville, Sydney, and Halifax Regional Municipality.