Campaign to Upgrade Mammography Technology to 3D

Willapa Harbor Hospital looks ahead to the future of breast cancer screening in Pacific County.

For nearly a decade, Willapa Harbor Hospital has been providing the women of Pacific County with breast cancer screening services through a two-dimensional (2D) mammography scan. Technology has quickly advanced since the original scanner was installed, and now the county hospital is looking to upgrade its breast cancer screening capabilities with a more modern version capable of scanning in three-dimensions (3D).

“I am not alone when I say that Pacific County residents deserve the best when it comes to healthcare,” says Matthew Kempton, CEO of Willapa Harbor Hospital. “Next-generation breast cancer screening is here, and it is time we bring that technology to South Bend.”

Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that develops from breast tissue. Aside from early detection through screenings such as mammograms, the first noticeable symptom is typically a lump seen or felt in or around the breast.

In 2020 alone, it is estimated that 6,690 women in Washington will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Upwards of 900 women in the state are expected to die because of the disease.

Upgrading to 3D mammography technology means that Willapa Harbor Hospital can deliver diagnostic breast cancer screenings in a more detailed way compared to traditional 2D mammography. New Fuji technology can perform quick sweeps in an arc over the breast, capturing low-dose images at various angles.

“Using the new technology, mammography images will be able to be viewed in thin slices, allowing medical professionals to view breast tissue in layers,” Kempton explains. “As a result, any tissue abnormalities can be more easily observed compared to images captured by 2D technology.”

A 3D mammography machine offers greater comfort during your scan while dramatically improving the sensitivity and image resolution specificity, for greater diagnostic accuracy. The sharper, more detailed images mean a reduction in radiation.

This new technology will be a massive win for both patients and medical providers in the region. Your physician at Willapa Harbor Hospital will have the ability to visualize a patient’s breast better, reducing the likelihood of more complicated and uncomfortable diagnostic procedures.

While equipment prices have become more affordable in recent years, an upgrade is still a costly investment. As such, the hospital has kicked off a 3Dcampaign to raise $90,000 over the next three months to purchase and install the new 3D technology.

We are happy to report that, for every dollar you donate, Willapa Harbor Hospital will match 100%. This match has fast-tracked our fundraising efforts and will allow the hospital a shorter timeline toward realizing the goal.

With your support, our community hospital can achieve its mission of purchasing new 3D mammography technology for the benefit of every patient who finds themselves in need of advanced breast cancer screening.

Information is available at the hospital’s website to learn how to donate or purchase t-shirts and other items. To participate in the capital campaign, individuals can visit www.willapaharborhospital.com/give.