“The Northern Lights Health Foundation is excited to expand our support for rural health through a partnership with Alberta Cancer Foundation. Together, and with other health foundations and Alberta Health Services, we will support breast cancer screening in rural and remote communities by helping to fund the creation of new Mobile Breast cancer units that serve over 120 rural and remote communities. The Northern Lights Health Foundation has also committed to enhancing compassionate care at the Fort McMurray Cancer
Clinic in the Northern Lights Health Centre,” said Greg Fuhr, Chair of the Northern Lights Health Foundation.
“Access to early cancer screening programs, and care as close to home as possible, is absolutely critical to supporting rural and Indigenous women’s health,” said Cindy Amerongen, Executive Director, Northern Lights Health Foundation. “Thanks to this partnership donors can contribute directly to the Northern Lights Health Foundation ensuring your donations impact friends, family, co-workers, and community members right here in the Wood Buffalo region as well as supporting all Albertans.”
The Screen Test program provides access to breast cancer screening and mammograms by deploying two large trailer units that contain digital mammography equipment, traveling to more than 120 rural communities, 28 of which are Indigenous communities around Alberta on a yearly basis, with demand increasing to expand its testing territory. As of December 2021, Screen Test has performed more than 540,000 mammograms and detected 3,045 cases of breast cancer. The program is planning to add 3D mammography to its next equipment upgrades as part of the $3-million equipment enhancement campaign.
“The Alberta Cancer Foundation is thrilled with how this meaningful partnership has come together, said Ryan Kelly, Vice President, Communications & Community Partnerships, Alberta Cancer Foundation. “We look forward to working closely with the Northern Lights Health Foundation to support cancer patients and their families in the Wood Buffalo region.”
