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A new ultrasound machine: speeding up diagnosis, when it matters most

Breast Cancer Centre - Digital Mammography

By supporting the purchase of a new ultrasound machine for Sunnybrook's Rapid Diagnosis Unit, Oakdale's Golf Fore The Cure is helping ease the burden of lengthy wait times for breast cancer diagnosis.

Diagnosing a breast concern can take as long as six weeks - an unacceptable length of time to wait for critical results. Women with abnormal screens need a fast diagnosis so they can start treatment quickly and maximize their odds of a full recovery.

With equipment dedicated to breast cancer diagnosis, the Rapid Diagnosis Unit (RDU) is diagnosing women within about 24 hours of their initial assessments at Sunnybrook.

To do this, we are using a dedicated digital mammography machine, ultrasound unit and other specialized equipment. Those assessed by the unit are asked about breast cancer risk factors, such as family history, and are given tailored recommendations for screening. Those who do not have a diagnosis of breast cancer but who may be at high-risk are referred for genetic assessment and risk management in the Odette Cancer Centre's high-risk clinic.

"Our goal is to help more individuals gain earlier and rapid assessment so they will know their diagnosis as soon as possible," says Dr. Eileen Rakovitch, chair of Sunnybrook's Breast Cancer Site Group.

Breast Cancer Centre - Ultrasound

Since it began operating last summer, 175 women have visited the RDU. More than 70 per cent were found to have breast cancer or be at extremely high risk. Because of the RDU, these women could begin treatment when the cancer was at its earliest stage.

By supporting the ultrasound machine purchase and room outfitting, Oakdale's Golf Fore The Cure will help ensure the Rapid Diagnosis Unit grows and provides life-saving diagnostic services to even more people.