NCRF Grants $460,000 to the Linda Buchan Centre

In celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Northern Cancer Research Foundation (NCRF) proudly announces a $460,000 grant that will help the Linda Buchan Centre for Breast Screening and Assessment purchase leading-edge diagnostic equipment.

On the list is an integrated reading workstation for the Centre’s radiologists, a high frequency ultrasound transducer designed especially for breast ultrasound, and additional core biopsy instruments to allow the LBC radiologists to keep pace with the growing demand for biopsy service. Some of the funds will be used to enhance the functional layout of the centre.

“We are very proud to announce this grant for the Linda Buchan Centre. The coordinated approach to screening and assessment helps get results in women’s hands as fast as possible. The NCRF is proud to be the sole fundraising arm of the regional cancer centre” said Sue Hughes, Vice-Chair of the NCRF Board of Directors.

Hughes was also a personal friend of Linda Buchan, a strong breast cancer advocate who succumbed to the disease in December 2002 and for whom the centre is named.

“Linda would be so proud of the advancements of the centre as a result of the hard work by so many people. Linda knew what differences could be made in treatment and support with the donor dollars staying 100% in Northwestern Ontario,” she said.

The Linda Buchan Centre, operational since March 27, 2006, provides a coordinated approach to breast screening and assessment, which includes diagnostic testing. To date, 3,300 clients have used the centre. Joanne Lacourciere, Director of Diagnostic Imaging at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, knows first hand the difference this funding has made for women in Thunder Bay.

“Since the Linda Buchan Centre was established, we have made great strides in coordinating breast screening and assessment services for women in our region. Today, for example, more women are having core biopsies and avoiding invasive surgeries thanks to a coordinated effort. They are also waiting far less time for results; 90 per cent of patients have a pathology report within seven days, compared to 17 days this time last year,” she said.

There are approximately 160 Northwestern Ontarians diagnosed with breast cancer each year, and that number is expected to rise by 4 per cent by 2015. Debora Prokopich-Buzzi was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year. She said she can’t imagine what the experience would have been like without the constant encouragement, education and support from the staff at the Linda Buchan Centre.

“The team encouraged me to keep them informed of my progress throughout my experience. They helped me through some tough decision-making. They were there to listen to my questions and concerns, and directed me to the resources I needed to make decisions that were right for me,” Prokopich-Buzzi said. “They truly made me feel that I was a person, not just a number.”

Many of the funds raised for the Linda Buchan Centre are the result of the hardworking ladies from the Bearskin Airlines Hope Classic curling bonspiel. Together they have raised $1.37 million in support of breast cancer research, improved patient care and education.

The Northern Cancer Research Foundation is 100% Northern – all funds raised stay in Northwestern Ontario.

:: click here for Linda Buchan Centre Update - October 2007 ::

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