Wednesday, December 11, 2002

Cumberland Health Care Foundation supports new Mobile Breast Screening Program

The Cumberland Health Care Foundation has lent its support to the new mobile breast screening program. The Foundation made a contribution toward this worthwhile initiative that encourages women to be proactive about their breast health.

"Screening programs are an important part of our efforts to improve access to quality health services for our communities", stated Colchester East Hants Health Authority CEO Peter MacKinnon.

Beginning in the early spring, a mobile mammography unit will visit communities throughout Colchester, Cumberland and Pictou counties and the Municipality of East Hants.

It is estimated that one out of eight women in Nova Scotia will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Very early detection of breast cancer is leading to improved outcomes for many women and improves the chance of a cure. According to Nova Scotia Breast Screening Program guidelines, women aged 40-49 should be screened annually and women aged 50-69 should have mammography screening at one to two year intervals if they are in good health. In 2001, the program screened more than 35,000 women.