The good fight
Your support is helping thousands of people face breast cancer head-on.
In the fall of 2024, screening rates for breast cancer are set to rise in Ontario – dramatically. And Dr. Sarah Knowles, Surgical Oncologist and Interim Director of the Breast Care Program at St. Joseph’s, is ready to support even more people through the breast care journey.
“I get to work with amazing patients,” says Dr. Knowles, who has been at the helm of the program since 2023. “I get to help people of different ages, genders and walks of life who are going through a very scary time, and try to support them as best as I can through that.”
For each person referred for breast care at St. Joseph’s, their first step is imaging. Advanced technologies like ultrasound and mammography are used in routine screenings, and to spot cancer lurking inside breast tissue.
Dr. Knowles considers contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) to be the pinnacle for people who have suspected cancer. Combining a contrasting dye alongside a digital mammogram, this exam produces clear images that can reveal even the smallest lesions in the breasts.
“We are one of the leading centres in Canada for CEM,” says Dr. Knowles. “It’s more detailed, and gives a really clear picture of where cancer is in the breast. It allows me to look at these images and then translate that into what I’m going to be doing in the operating room.”
This technology is particularly important for patients who have dense breasts. This type of breast tissue appears solid on standard mammography, which can block out abnormalities. CEM can find small lesions even in very dense tissue, saving people from disease progression or repeat surgeries.
Dense breasts are more common in younger people. Right now, routine breast screening is available in Ontario through self-referral for people over age 50. But with more people experiencing breast cancer at a younger age, there has been a growing demand to lower the age for eligibility. Starting this fall, anyone aged 40-74 can self refer for a mammogram. Early detection of breast cancer is expected to save countless lives.
That means more people than ever before will be coming to St. Joseph’s for breast imaging. To meet the need, donors are answering the call to fund updated equipment – including CEM, 3D mammography and stereotactic biopsy units, new ultrasounds and soothing sensory suites.
Dr. Knowles says this upgrade can’t come soon enough. Donors have already provided more than half of the funds needed, including an anonymous donor who matched all gifts up to $200,000 made during the spring and summer of 2024.
“Without donors, we really couldn’t do what we do,” says Dr. Knowles.
“This generosity allows us to provide the best patient care, and have access to this advanced technology so we can support patients through a challenging time. So, thank you to the donors. You’re amazing.”
Your Donation Matters Here
You have helped us get so close to fully funding this vital upgrade. Make a gift to support the future of breast care now.