Two new mobile screening units facilitate more breast cancer screening, leading to earlier detection and increased survival rates.
Every year, thousands of Albertans are diagnosed with breast cancer, making it one of the top four most commonly diagnosed cancers. The good news is that early detection leads to some of the best outcomes. The five-year survival rate for a person diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer is 99 per cent, proving the life-saving potential of programs like Screen Test, which operates the mobile breast screening units.
Screen Test offers inclusive equitable access to breast cancer screening and mammograms, and has been operating mobile screening units since 1991. Over the years, it has performed more than 500,000 mammograms, detecting over 25,000 abnormalities, leading to over 3,000 diagnoses of breast cancer.
In 2021, the Alberta Cancer Foundation committed $3 million to support the replacement of the current units. To date, donors have contributed $2,351,439. Once operational, the new units will increase the screening capacity for Albertans by up to 50 per cent, featuring updated, state-of-the-art equipment and larger spaces designed to accommodate those with mobility challenges.
Mobile Lung Screening
Along with breast cancer, lung cancer is also among the top four most commonly diagnosed cancers in Alberta. Unfortunately, it has one of the lowest survival rates. However, like most cancers, the likelihood of survival increases dramatically the earlier it is detected. To ensure access to this vital screening, the Alberta Cancer Foundation has committed to raise $1.5 million, which will be matched by the Government of Alberta, to fund two new mobile units that will bring lung screening services to rural and remote communities as early as 2025.
