People in the Alberni Valley and surrounding regions will benefit from more accurate and faster cancer screening thanks to a new, state-of-the-art 3D mammography system at West Coast General Hospital (WCGH) in Port Alberni.
"The new 3D mammography will enhance access to better diagnosis for people in Port Alberni and nearby communities," said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. "We will continue to invest in advanced technology to strengthen health services in the region, ensuring people can receive the healthcare they need closer to home."
The new system, installed in March 2024, is equipped with advanced tomosynthesis capabilities that capture multiple low-dose X-ray images from different angles to create detailed 3D images of the breast. This advanced imaging technique provides radiologists with a clearer view of breast tissue, making it easier to detect small cancers, especially in patients with dense breast tissue.
"Updating mammography technology is a significant way we are improving the quality of healthcare for people in the Alberni Valley and the surrounding region,” said Josie Osborne, MLA, Mid Island-Pacific Rim. “We will continue to take action to ensure the effective delivery of health-care services and accurate outcome of treatment."
"We are improving access to quality health care for people across the Province, including in rural and remote areas,” said Jennifer Rice, Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Health. “With this new mammography screening system at WCGH, people in the Alberni Valley will have access to faster and better breast cancer detection."
In addition to tomosynthesis, the new system includes a computer-aided detection software that uses artificial intelligence to highlight areas of concern, acting as a second reader to assist radiologists.
"Investing in advanced breast imaging technology aligns with our commitment to providing exceptional care to the communities we serve," said Leah Hollins, Board Chair of Island Health. "This new mammography system will undoubtedly improve patient outcomes and contribute to our ongoing efforts to enhance breast health services in the region."
"The tomosynthesis feature is a game-changer for breast imaging," said Jana Schwarzenbach, Medical Radiology Tech at WCGH. "With the ability to view the breast in thin slices, we can better differentiate between benign and potentially cancerous findings, reducing the need for additional testing and alleviating patient anxiety."
"We are thrilled to offer this state-of-the-art mammography system to the residents of Port Alberni and surrounding communities," said Trina Gulay, Medical Imaging Manager at WCGH.
"The 3D system allows for more accurate detection of breast abnormalities, reducing call backs, and getting patients through the waitlist faster for improved outcomes."
The $625,000 cost of the project, which included the equipment and facility upgrades, was shared by the provincial government and Island Health. Key enhancements to the mammography suite included wall protection, new blackout blinds for optimal image quality, and specialized training for technologists.
With the new system in place, WCGH anticipates a continued increase in demand for both screening and diagnostic breast imaging services. In the 2023/2024 fiscal year, WCGH performed 1,612 screening mammograms and 808 diagnostic mammography procedures.
BC Cancer's Breast Screening Program provides free screening mammograms for eligible BC women age 40 and up. More information can be found at Breast Cancer BC.