New mammography unit up and running at Central Newfoundland Regional Health Centre

It uses the latest technology, costs close to a million dollars, and is expected to save lives by providing timely access to breast screening services. When breast cancer is found at an earlier stage, treatment is often more effective and the outcomes can be improved. For Health Minister Jody Wall, it's also very personal. In 2019, my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer, a very rare form of breast cancer. Luckily, through early detection and through great services by NL Health Services, she had surgery and she's doing well. As a husband, I know the difference and the impact, early detection and then proper care moving forward. The impact that it makes, not only on the patient, but on the entire family. And I'm just very happy and pleased to be part of this announcement today. The new unit has been up and running for almost a month. It's expected to increase screening capacity and expand appointment availability. You don't need a referral to now have the breast screening exam. Anyone, any women between age 40 and 74 can self-refer. And this will certainly make a difference for early detection. Patients can book a screening mammogram online through My Health NL. Or by calling the Breast Screening Program at 1-800-414-3443. To know that we have this service here in Central and the impact it's going to have on the husbands and wives and family members, it's going to come full circle. I'm very pleased to know that this is going to help. While Minister Wall said there are no immediate plans to add another unit like this in the province at this moment, he said breast cancer screening is of the utmost importance. And his government will continue to look for ways to improve early detection. Troy Turner, CBC News, Grand Falls, Windsor.