Image: Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation / Corlea Smit, interim supervisor of mammography department, showcases cutting-edge technology at Abbotsford Regional Hospital, funded entirely by the Crystal Gala Foundation. 

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Abbotsford Regional Hospital

Abbotsford Hospital transforming breast cancer treatment with the latest technology

Jan 15, 2024 | 10:53 AM

ABBOTSFORD — Cutting edge mammography equipment and related technology are coming to Abbotsford Regional Hospital thanks to the Crystal Gala Foundation.

According to a news release from the Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation, the new mammography machine at ARH features MOLLI magnets, which is radiation-free technology for breast cancer surgery. The foundation says this project has been magnanimously supported in its entirety by the Crystal Gala Foundation, a group of committed women that raise funds to benefit local people fighting and living with breast cancer.

Mammography is a specialised medical imaging, screening tool, which uses a low-dose ex-ray system to see inside the breasts. A mammography exam aids in breast cancer screening and diagnostic purposes. In addition to the mammography machine, the foundation says ARH now has cutting-edge technology available for patients-in-care requiring surgery.

The Canadian-designed MOLLI magnet device has replaced the previous wire technology. The less invasive breast cancer surgery technique works by being inserted into the breast tumor wherein the surgeon uses a wand to locate the magnet allowing an effective process of identifying the location of where to perform the surgery.

According to Corlea Smit, interim supervisor in the mammography department, “This equipment is entirely for the patient’s benefit! It offers an alternative for a procedure that is jarring and scary looking at a time where patients are already dealing with the extreme anxiety of a possible breast cancer diagnosis. The ability to use a tiny little seed marker placed within the breast at the patient’s convenience means that she doesn’t have to add another procedure to her surgery day, and it is overall less invasive than the current practice.”

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The foundation reports that breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in Canadian women. Regular mammograms help detect breast cancer earlier and indicate a higher rate of survival. However, the foundation states, many women do not carry out regular self-examinations, possibility due to discomfort or fear. However, with the addition of the new state-of-the-art equipment, kindly donated by the Crystal Gala Foundation, a more efficient and less physically intrusive system is possible. The new equipment enhances patient care and will ultimately help to reduce stress and anxiety.

“Any change we can make in breast health to support our patients’ ability to feel less anxious and cope well is a win!” Smit said.