“When I thought of other women, especially young women, having to go through what I went through, I just knew it was something that needed to change,” shares Julia Duguay.
With a family history of breast cancer, Julia has long understood the importance of regular screening. She has made annual mammograms a part of her routine, knowing how imperative early detection can be.
Two years ago, a small tumour was found. It was a nonpalpable tumour, meaning it couldn’t be felt by hand: there was no lump, no warning signs, and no symptoms. Finding this type of early-stage cancer, when treatment can be most effective, requires diagnostic imaging and she was grateful to have access to this type of technology at Northumberland Hills Hospital (NHH).
Julia’s treatment required surgery, but because the tumour could not be felt during a physical examination, it first needed to be precisely localized so the surgeon could find and remove it. The technology utilized at the time required inserting a thin wire to guide the surgeon, however the tumour shifted, and the limitations of the existing technology made the process both challenging and distressing for Julia. This became an upsetting memory she couldn’t shake and an experience she hopes no other patient will have to endure.
With the experience fresh in her mind, Julia decided to take action. She reached out to both Hospital and Foundation leadership to share her experience and to advocate for new, wire-free breast tissue localization technology to become the standard for patients of NHH.
Her friends and family would describe Julia as a determined woman, and her determination took her one step further. Recognizing government funding alone cannot meet every hospital need, and community support is necessary to invest in new technology and equipment to care for patients, Julia chose to make a gift towards an investment in this wire-free technology. She wanted future patients to have a better experience – and she didn’t want any fear or hesitancy from an experience like this to deter people from getting screened.
Hearing this wire-free technology is now available for patients of NHH and learning of the additional investments to be made in the breast health program is a huge relief for Julia.
“I spoke up because I knew there was better technology and I wanted that for patients at our hospital,” shares Julia. “If we want advanced equipment and technology to be available for us and for future generations and we have the ability to give back to help ensure this, it’s important we step up to do so.”
