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There is a tremendous unmet need to screen women for breast cancer in the Algarve and Lower Alentejo regions of Portugal. In Portugal, about 10% of women will develop breast cancer in their lifetimes, about 4,500 new cases every year and 1,500 women die every year. Approximately 90% of breast cancer cases are curable if they are detected early and are treated properly.
This project would provide funds for the purchase of a mobile breast cancer screening unit that would provide scans in even the most remote rural areas; women who might not be able to come to the regional capital of Faro can therefore have their scans done in their local communities. After 8 years, there is a need to renew the equipment and expand the programme. The latest technology is required to increase the degree of effectiveness in early detection of breast cancer, and to expand the age range to younger women. This need is due to the fact that there is a high incidence of cancer in women between 45 and 49 years, with a higher degree of aggressiveness. This expanded program could reach potentially 12,000 - 13,000 women.
A new digital mammogram unit comes with computer tomographic scan (CT) equipment that provides 3D mammography with improved cancer detection, reduced false positives and better visualization. This equipment is especially needed for younger women breasts since their breasts are denser. The equipment is also more comfortable for the patient and will help to ease the apprehension of women who may have been too fearful to participate in the screening program.
The cost of a fully-equipped new mobile unit is estimated as $617,198 (€ 450.000); $137,155 (€ 100.000) for the vehicle, $342,888 (€250,000) for the tomography equipment and $137,155 (€ 100.000) for the data center.
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