Cancer-screening boost for centre

Adonation from Wimmera Health Care Group Foundation will help medical professionals in the region identify abnormalities than can lead to cervical cancers.

The foundation has donated a $20,000 colposcope to Wimmera Medical Centre.

Obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Yakep Angue said the colposcope would provide better detection and earlier diagnosis opportunities of pre-cancer abnormalities on the cervix.

“It will increase the chance of finding abnormal cells if they are present,” he said.

“The new machine is clearer, which makes spotting abnormalities a lot easier.”

Wimmera Health Care Group Foundation chair Graeme Hardman said the colposcope a medical centre team was using was due for replacement.

“The machine was 24-years old and had broken

down three times in the last year, which took several weeks to fix, resulting in many appointments being cancelled,” he said.

“A new machine was definitely required and will improve the screening process which is vitally important in the detection of cervical cancer.

“The Wimmera has very high rates of cancer and the donation follows on from the donations to Wimmera Cancer Centre.”

The foundation raises money through donations, bequests and fundraising.

It invests the donations and only the income earned through investments is used to fund special projects at both the Horsham and Dimboola campuses.

“The foundation is happy to donate the funds for this piece of equipment. It will help people be treated more effectively,” Mr Hardman said.