CIBC donates $30,000 to SAH breast screening program

CIBC donated $30,000 to the Sault Area Hospital's breast screening program which serves thousands of women annually. 

“We perform approximately 3,000 mammography procedures yearly inside of our OBSP High and Average Risk Screening Program, and through our Breast Assessment Program and Diagnostic Assessment services,” said Franci Rogers, manager of Diagnostic Imaging at SAH.

The donation coincides with Breast Cancer Awareness Month which is October.

The full text of the release follows.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and a great time to raise awareness about breast cancer screening. Thanks to support from the community and a generous gift of $30,000 from CIBC, Sault Area Hospital will be enhancing their breast screening program with a brand new mammography unit.

Sault Area Hospital delivers mammography services as part of the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP). Mammography equipment is one of the best diagnostic tools health care professionals have to identify breast cancers. Ensuring Sault Area Hospital has the most current and up-to-date equipment is a top priority. The old mammography unit had reached the end of its life, and was due for routine replacement. The new unit was installed this month, and is now operational.    

“We perform approximately 3,000 mammography procedures yearly inside of our OBSP High and Average Risk Screening Program, and through our Breast Assessment Program and Diagnostic Assessment services,” noted Franci Rogers, manager of Diagnostic Imaging at SAH. “The technological advancements of our new mammography equipment will provide breast imaging with outstanding detail and superior diagnostic accuracy. As well, this equipment offers improvements in patient comfort and control, with patient assisted compression capabilities.”

“CIBC is pleased to support Sault Area Hospital and its ambition to provide the most up-to-date technology tools to assist in breast cancer screening programs,” said Erika Rocca, community general manager, Banking Centres Northern Ontario. “With this equipment, breast cancer patients in the Sault community will continue to receive the high quality treatment and patient care they need.”

“CIBC has always been a strong supporter of our Cancer Care Program. When the opportunity to replace our mammography unit came up they were one of the first local partners we wanted to approach,” said Teresa Martone, executive director – Sault Area Hospital Foundation. “We are so appreciative for supporters who recognize that the needs of our programs extend outside of the program itself. There are so many areas in the hospital that contribute to quality cancer care through a patient’s care journey, including our Laboratory, Pharmacy and, in this case, Medical Imaging. It’s so critical that every area of our hospital has the tools they need to deliver outstanding care here – close to home.” 

Regular breast screening is critical to catching cancer early – dramatically improving survival rates. If you are unsure if you are due for a mammogram, please call the SAH breast screening team at 705-256-4709 or toll free at 1-833-255-6277.

On behalf of the Sault Area Hospital Foundation board of directors, executive director and staff, we would like to thank CIBC for the generous contribution toward breast cancer screening and monitoring with this new mammography unit.