IRVINE, Ky (April 12, 2017) - The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) approved a grant for $250,902 to Marcum and Wallace Memorial Hospital in Irvine, KY for the purchase of a digital breast tomosynthesis (3D mammography) imaging system.
The upgraded screening mammography equipment will improve critical patient care for early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
“This much needed equipment will serve to improve the early detection of breast cancer which is critical to treatment and prevention,” said Dunahoo at the Department for Local Government (DLG). “I am pleased that the ARC approved funding to Marcum and Wallace Memorial Hospital for this upgrade as it continues to provide critical medical care for the Eastern Kentucky Coalfield region.”
“This grant will allow Marcum & Wallace Memorial Hospital to purchase new technology that will measurably improve breast cancer detection for women in Estill, Powell, Lee, and Owsley counties,” said Congressman Andy Barr. “I am proud that my office was able to work with Marcum and Wallace Memorial Hospital and DLG to make this technology available through the awarding of this competitive grant.”
The Marcum and Wallace Memorial Hospital currently uses conventional two-view digital mammography that results in images that obscure cancers or generates false-positive readings. The 3D imaging system can increase cancer detection by 27 percent and increase invasive cancer detection by 40 percent, while reducing callbacks for re-screening by 20-40 percent.
The hospital currently serves 1,500 patients in Estill, Powell, Lee and Owsley counties.
The ARC program and policy is to provide assistance for residential infrastructure project, water supply and wastewater treatment projects to assist in alleviating environmental public health concerns and ensure the acceptable quality of life for local residents.
