Walkers limbered up to take on the Arrows of Mt Whitfield in June to raise funds for increased diagnostic services.
Organiser of the BDO Arrow Experience, the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation, has revealed the equipment that was bought from the 2021 MacDonnells Law Arrow Experience.
Breast cancer patients in the Far North now have access to quicker testing, thanks to hundreds of fundraisers walking the Arrows of Mt Whitfield.
The Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation bought a second tomosynthesis machine for BreastScreen Cairns, to help speed up testing for patients undergoing further examinations.
And the need for the equipment hit home on a personal level for BreastScreen Cairns Service Manager Tahnee Hansson, whose mother was recently diagnosed.
“Mum put off getting a mammogram for years because she was told they were horrible and she worried about getting bad news. She decided to get one because I work at BreastScreen and took the time to explain what the procedure is like. Mum said the mammogram was nowhere near as bad as she expected it to be,” Ms Hansson said.
“Her first mammogram was in early 2020 and her second one was earlier this year. Small changes were detected and further investigation was needed. I guess this is another point that emphasises how important regular screening is, so changes can be detected.”
As a result of the diagnosis, Ms Hansson’s mother will have surgery in a few weeks followed by radiation and the family are confident of a positive outcome.
BreastScreen Cairns' Chief Radiographer Deb Halliwell said the new 3D tomography machine funded by the Foundation had been invaluable to BreastScreen Cairns Service. "Recently a similar piece of equipment had some technical issues, requiring the replacement of an essential component which was delayed by COVID-19 complications,” Ms Halliwell said.
"Despite the delay, having a second machine meant we could still provide an Assessment service to our clients within the set Accreditation and clinically-recommended timeframes, offering the best clinical care," she said.
"Clients travelling from remote locations for follow-up Assessment clinics can now be assured that their appointments will go ahead even in the event of a machine malfunction, thus reducing client anxiety and not delaying diagnosis. The additional piece of equipment has improved efficiency, with significant reduction in attendance waiting times during clinics."
Foundation CEO Gina Hogan said the $80, 000 purchase was the outcome of hundreds of people walking the Arrows of Mt Whitfield last year, in the MacDonnells Law Arrow Experience.
“This shows the importance of what the community does with us, every day. Taking part in a fundraising activity can make a real tangible difference in a patient’s life and we’re hearing that today,” Mrs Hogan said.
BDO North Queensland CEO Stacey Young said they were very excited to be supporting the 2022 BDO Arrow Experience. “In addition to raising funds for the Foundation and patients in the region, the event gives us an opportunity to come together as a firm and a community to get outside and enjoy our local environment,” Ms Young said.
“Most importantly, the funds stay in our community.”
This year, the BDO Arrow Experience was held on June 19 with funds raised going towards further diagnostic equipment.
• Every cent donated to the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation, goes where it’s intended because the Foundation’s commercial activities cover ALL administration costs. In 2022, the Foundation celebrates its 25th birthday and $25 million contributed to improving health outcomes in that time.
Photo: BreastScreen Cairns' Tahnee Hansson and Deb Halliwell, BDO CEO Stacey Young, Foundation CEO Gina Hogan and BDO audit partner Margaret Dewhurst.