Erie Shores HealthCare announced significant enhancements to its Women’s Health department today, including the introduction of a new mammography machine designed to expedite diagnosis and improve patient outcomes in the fight against breast cancer.

This machine, a first for the region, is capable of contrast-enhanced imaging. This advanced technology allows radiologists to detect unusual blood flow patterns, often a sign of cancer growth, making it easier to identify cancers at an earlier stage.

Along with this new equipment, Erie Shores HealthCare is launching “Breast Days,” an initiative that accelerates the diagnostic process for breast cancer.

During these dedicated days, patients referred by their family physician will receive a diagnostic mammogram, followed immediately by an ultrasound, if needed. Should these tests raise concerns, a biopsy will be scheduled within 72 hours. This expedited approach significantly reduces waiting times and streamlines patient care.

Overall, the new equipment, including the contrast enhancement and renovations to the department, cost roughly $700,000.  The contrast-enhancement portion of the mammography machine is funded by a $130,000 donation from the Yes Ma’am Fashion Show.

Additionally, a generous $25,000 gift from Mat and Tania Iacobelli, honouring Tania’s late mother, Mirella Sabelli, will enable ESHC to renovate the space, making it a calming and welcoming environment for women.

Kristin Kennedy, CEO of Erie Shores HealthCare said “the generous contributions of our community have significantly enhanced our ability to provide quicker and more accurate diagnoses. Events like the Yes Ma’am Fashion Show and the generous gift from Tania and Mat Iacobelli are instrumental in our advancements; we are deeply grateful. These contributions have a profound impact on the lives of our patients.”

Erie Shores has extended testing hours to six days a week to combat the backlog of cases, allowing for an additional 25 mammograms per week.