(SitNews) Ketchikan, Alaska - In 2005, the Waterfall Foundation planted a seed that became the Women’s Diagnostic Imaging Center at Ketchikan Medical Center (KMC). That $25,000 ‘seed’ money helped build a department that provides comprehensive breast examinations for both woman and men.

This year Waterfall again made a significant donation toward expansion of the Diagnostic Center services to include 3D Mammography.

Former Alaska First Lady Nancy Murkowski chairs the Waterfall Foundation. She presented a check for $20,000 to Matt Eisenhower, KMC Foundation Director, at the recent Waterfall Dinner at the Ted Ferry Civic Center. The dinner marks the start of the annual fundraising fishing derby at the Waterfall Resort to support the Waterfall Foundation.

“I am delighted for this gift and continued partnership with Waterfall Foundation,” said Eisenhower. “Having a longtime supporting organization that believes in the mission of healthcare in Southeast Alaska and knows our community needs is very appreciated.”

The KMC Foundation Board has committed to paying half the cost for 3D mammography, which is a major advancement in cancer detection. The new technology will allow radiologists to examine slices as thin as one-millimeter of tissue at different angles. The total cost for acquiring the technology will be about $525,000.

“3D mammography can detect up to 40% more cancers than standard mammography,” said Director of Support Services Scott Smith, “It also decreases the call back rate by that same margin, up to 40%. The additional cancers it finds are usually small invasive cancers that can be detected before they spread.”

Source of News:

PeaceHealth Ketchikan Medical Center
www.peacehealth.org/ketchikan

 

 

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