Digital Mammography

Faster, more accurate breast cancer diagnosis is available in Moose Jaw with the addition of a new digital mammography suite because of Moose Jaw Health Foundation donors.

Digital mammography represents an important technical advance in mammography. The enhanced imaging ability will lead to earlier detection of breast cancer and an improved cure rate for breast patients. Instead of film images, the new digital mammography equipment converts analog images to digital; therefore, the image produced is an electronic image with superior resolution and image quality. Because the images are archived on a computer system, they can be quickly and easily retrieved, improving consultation between specialists.

This new enhanced mammography has a number of advantages. It allows radiologists to detect and diagnose breast cancers with a higher degree of confidence than conventional film-based mammography. Unlike films, the images can be viewed and manipulated on a computer monitor to adjust contrast or magnification, or to view specific regions in greater detail.

Early diagnosis and accurate assessment of breast cancer leads to better therapies and more successful outcomes for patients. Over 3,300 mammograms will be performed at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital each year.

Due to donor commitment to improve breast cancer care in Moose Jaw, the Moose Jaw Health Foundation was able to fund the purchase the next generation of digital mammography.  This will help improve cancer detection, thus reducing reducing the mortality, and improving the quality of life of those living with cancer.  Thank you Foundation donors for making this possible.

For more information on how you can create another success story at our local hospital, please contact Kelly McElree, Executive Director of the Moose Jaw Health Foundation at 694-0255 or kelly.mcelree@mjhfoundation.ca.