Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre is the first hospital at Fraser Health to combine precision imaging with contrast enhancement in early breast cancer detection.
(Photo) Left to right: Krista Knox, mammography technologist, Dawn Rumsby, mammography technologist, Jeanette Binder, mammography technologist, Corlea Smit, mammography supervisor
Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre (ARHCC) conducts over 22,000 breast imaging exams each year, including screening, diagnostic and ultrasound. This substantial patient volume demonstrates the hospital's role in early breast cancer detection and care.
In 2024, the Diagnostic and Screening Mammography and Breast Ultrasound departments grew and expanded significantly. In April, ARHCC introduced 3D tomosynthesis mammography.
“Although 3D tomosynthesis diagnostic mammography is not new and is available at other Fraser Health hospitals, it continues to be an essential tool for detecting small, early density changes,” says Corlea Smit, supervisor, Mammography, ARHCC. “This technology has detected cancers in recent months that would have otherwise gone unnoticed until they progressed further.”
The subsequent addition of contrast-enhanced diagnostic mammography has set ARHCC apart as the first site in Fraser Health and the third hospital in B.C. to combine precision imaging with contrast enhancement.
Corlea says that extremely dense breasts have historically been the most challenging for early detection through routine mammography, even with 3D tomosynthesis. Contrast-enhanced diagnostic mammography improves imaging by eliminating the overlap of healthy and harmful tissues, making it easier to detect cancers.
ARHCC has also introduced additional new equipment and features, including two dedicated breast ultrasound rooms, pink stretchers, ultrasound chairs and new speakers—all donated by the Crystal Gala Foundation.
“It is through the support of generous donors in the community that Crystal Gala Foundation has been able to fund breast imaging enhancements including the contrast enhanced mammography software, a diagnostic mammography unit and a screening mammography unit,” says Gerri Charles, board chair, Crystal Gala Foundation. “This state-of-the-art technology is significantly enhancing breast screening at Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre.”
The layout of the room welcomes women to feel at ease in a reimagined space. “Those small details make a world of difference and have a calming effect on a person while going through the necessary testing for a breast cancer diagnosis,” says Elsie Teichrob, breast cancer patient.
“We have an incredible, close-knit team of sonographers, mammographers and radiologists dedicated to providing the best care for our patients as we strive to diagnose breast cancer,” says Charmaine Bergen, breast sonographer, ARHCC. “We are honoured and humbled to offer these exciting and hugely impactful services to the residents of the Fraser Valley.”
