Advancing Breast Cancer Care at Aberdeen Hospital

New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, Wednesday, February 27, 2026, …. Early detection is one of the most powerful tools in improving breast cancer outcomes. Thanks to a $750,000 investment supported by community donors, Aberdeen Hospital has taken a significant step forward with the installation of upgraded digital mammography technology. These new tools are improving how breast cancer is detected, diagnosed, and treated, helping care teams see more clearly and act with greater precision.

For Anna Pauer, Mammography Team Lead at Aberdeen Hospital at the time, the impact is clear in her work. “The field of diagnostic imaging is constantly evolving, and mammography is a prime example,” she says. “Detecting abnormalities in breast tissue at the earliest possible stage is essential to improving patient prognosis.”

Photo Caption: Standing with the new GE mammography unit at Aberdeen Hospital are Michelle Ferris, Executive Director, Aberdeen Health Foundation; Heather MacDonald, Board Chair, Aberdeen Health Foundation; Miranda Thomson, Manager Diagnostic Imaging; Emma Doncaster, Radiological Technologist; Lisa MacDonald, Former Chair, Aberdeen Health Foundation (left to right). Supported by a $750,000 community investment, the upgraded equipment introduces 3D imaging, helping clinicians detect breast cancer at the earliest possible stage.

The new GE mammography equipment introduces tomosynthesis, a form of 3D breast imaging that was not available with older machines. While traditional 2D mammography remains the gold standard, tomosynthesis offers additional perspective when needed. “The 3D capability allows radiologists to view breast tissue in distinct slices,” Anna explains. “That means areas of concern can be examined more clearly, without overlapping tissue making interpretation more difficult.”

This added clarity also improves biopsy accuracy. During biopsy procedures, technologists can now confirm sample quality immediately. “If a sample isn’t adequate, we know right away,” Anna says. “That reduces the chance of patients needing to return for repeat biopsies.”

This advancement is especially meaningful for women with dense breast tissue, where cancers can be harder to detect. For Faye Visser-Booth of Women Alike Breast Cancer Survivors Society, a local organization founded by women with lived experience of breast cancer, new technology represents a major improvement in women’s breast health. “The earlier the diagnosis, the better the outcome,” she says. “That’s what we are working toward. And knowing there are now tools in place to increase precision during surgery brings reassurance to women and their families.”

Women Alike has contributed $21,000 toward these improvements, supported by a variety of community-led fundraising efforts, including the annual Race on the River Dragon Boat event in New Glasgow. The group also donates to the Aberdeen Health Foundation’s Oncology Patient Fund, administered by the Cancer Care Navigator, to support patients at the time of diagnosis. For more than two decades, the organization has also helped meet patient needs at Aberdeen Hospital, providing items such as compression camisoles for mastectomy patients and protective pillows to support recovery. “We have walked this journey,” explains Faye. “We want to improve outcomes for the women in our area – they are our daughters, sisters, neighbours, family, and friends.”

The Aberdeen Health Foundation is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, and Board Chair Heather MacDonald says this investment reflects the Foundation’s original vision. “These upgrades were made possible through the Jim Gogan Medical Equipment Endowment, named for one of our founding directors. Mr. Gogan’s belief in a hospital foundation that could respond effectively to the changing needs of our community has been built and strengthened over a generation of generosity.”

“Contributions from community organizations like Women Alike play an important role in that response,” she continues. “They not only help strengthen our ability to invest in projects like this, but keep important causes visible in the community while promoting health through physical activity and peer support.”

Photo Caption: Members of Women Alike Breast Cancer Survivors Society stand with the new KUBTEC imaging technology at Aberdeen Hospital. From left: Kim MacIvor, Faye Visser-Booth, Elizabeth Chenell, and Stacey Mitchell. Women Alike contributed $21,000 toward breast imaging upgrades that enhance surgical precision for patients in Pictou County.

Beyond detection and diagnosis, clearer imaging also plays a critical role in surgical planning. Dr. Chakshu Sahi, General Surgeon at Aberdeen Hospital, regularly relies on mammography images in her work. “More than 60 percent of breast cancer diagnoses are now made radiographically,” Dr. Sahi says. “Having high-quality imaging is critical.”

Improved image quality allows care teams to more accurately locate and mark cancerous tissue for removal ahead of surgery. “Better images reduce error rates. They allow us to plan surgery more precisely and be more exact in what tissue needs to be removed.”

That precision is further strengthened by the addition of KUBTEC imaging technology in the operating room. After a tumour is excised, surgeons must confirm that the cancer has been fully removed. Previously, this required sending tissue from the operating room to radiology, which took time and resources. “With KUBTEC, the imaging happens right in the operating room,” Dr. Sahi explains. “Within minutes, we can see whether the area of concern is fully contained within the specimen and whether margins are adequate. It gives us confidence that we’ve removed enough tissue without taking more than necessary, which impacts quality of life.”

For patients, these combined advances can mean fewer delays, fewer repeat procedures, and a smoother care experience during an already stressful time. “Breast cancer is an emotionally challenging diagnosis,” Dr. Sahi adds. “Anything that reduces uncertainty during that time has a real impact.”

Aberdeen Hospital is now one of only two sites in Nova Scotia to offer 3D breast imaging. “We’re incredibly proud of what this represents,” Anna says. “This project was made possible through donor funding, and we’re grateful to everyone who helped bring this technology to our community.”

The Aberdeen Health Foundation is the leading charity for enhancing health care in Pictou County. In 2025, the Foundation invested over $3 million to fund medical equipment and enhance health programs at the Aberdeen Hospital and in the community. Your contribution can be the catalyst for even greater change — find out how you can make an impact here.