Digital mammography unit at LaVerendrye Hospital. Image: Randy Thoms/Acadia Broadcasting

A one-day mammography blitz takes place today at LaVerendrye Hospital in Fort Frances.

Riverside Health Care’s Diagnostic Imaging Team is conducting the blitz to encourage women 40 and older to visit for a mammogram and breast exam.

Mammography technician Chalina Abraham says it is being done as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

“Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, but it is the most curable when detected early. We’re providing the blitz so women can come in, ages 40 and over, to have their screening mammals because it detects cancer before it’s even palpable. So, we are able to screen in those early stages,” says Abraham.

The blitz goes from 3 -7 p.m.

No appointment is necessary. Just register at the desk at the emergency department when you come into the hospital.

Among Canadian women, breast cancer is the most common and second leading cause of death from cancer.

The Canadian Cancer Society projected that 28,600 Canadian women would be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022.

It also estimated 5,000 deaths, with an average of 78 diagnoses and 15 deaths every day.

Mammography technician Cara Sane says mammograms are the most reliable way to detect breast cancer early.

“Most health care professionals recommend screening start at 40, especially if you have a family history. You can start earlier, but generally speaking 40 is the age to start. Regular screening is important because if you’re coming every two years to get screened, we can detect cancer before it’s even palpable. And when we detect cancers when they’re smaller, they are more easily curable,” says Sane.

New digital medical equipment is also making it easier for women.

It provides for more detail and better image quality.

“It’s a lot quicker to take the image. So the quicker that we have the patient in the machine is better. And we now have flex paddles, so we can actually get away with using less compression, coming with the same outcome with quality. It is better for the patient, more comfortable,” says Abraham.

Women who participate will also receive a breast examination from Liz Fortes, who runs the Breast Education Program for Riverside Health Care.

There will also be treats courtesy of Tess’ Kitchen.