“I remember thinking to myself that it just can’t be breast cancer” confides Kelly Manning. But in August 2019, Kelly began her journey to determine why one of her breasts didn’t feel quite right.

Breast cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canada. The Public Health Agency of Canada estimates that approximately 27,000 Canadian women are diagnosed with breast cancer and 5,000 die from it annually. Each year, the Breast Assessment Centre at Regina’s Pasqua Hospital performs an average of 4,800 breast exams and 600 biopsies, including Kelly’s. Despite a growing concern, and not yet having a diagnosis, Kelly tried to remain positive. Many days later, the results of her biopsy confirmed Kelly’s fears – it was breast cancer. 

In early 2020 Hospitals of Regina Foundation committed to raise $600,000 to provide our Breast Assessment Centre with a new Digital Breast Tomosynthesis unit, also known as 3D mammography. CIBC has a long history of supporting the fight against breast cancer. We are pleased to announce that CIBC has generously contributed a lead gift of $100,000. Their support will help the Foundation provide this new and essential technology.

3D mammography is better able to detect smaller breast cancer tumors with more accuracy and fewer false-positives. Furthermore, the new 3D technology will not only conduct the mammogram, but has the capability to perform a needle biopsy right away if a suspicious lump is found, reducing the anxiety-inducing wait time that Kelly experienced. Thanks in part to the partnership with CIBC, our hospitals will be able to diagnose smaller breast cancers earlier and more accurately.

“CIBC is pleased to be part of helping to make the Foundation’s goal a reality,” says Chad Haidey, market vice president, CIBC. “Helping equip the hospital’s Breast Assessment Centre with the most advanced technology means patients will be able to receive quick and accurate test results which helps support better outcomes.” 

During Kelly’s successful lumpectomy, the cancerous tissue was removed from her breast. After recovery from the surgery, she began radiation therapy on December 17th, 2019 and completed her daily radiation treatment in January of 2020.  Kelly is still monitored closely with regular checkups and today she can happily say that she has no ongoing cancer. She is thrilled women in the province will have access to new technology which can identify smaller breast cancers more accurately and in less time.

“Regina’s Breast Assessment Centre sees thousands of patients every year,” says Jessica Rawn, director, development, Hospitals of Regina Foundation. “The Foundation is grateful to have the support of community-minded organizations, like CIBC. Their generous support of the Breast Assessment Centre at Pasqua Hospital means women across southern Saskatchewan will now have access to the most advanced technology available, right here at home.”