Shakopee, Minn. – Breast-cancer detection at St. Francis Regional Medical Center will take a giant leap forward, thanks to a $300,000 donation from the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community to Saints Healthcare Funds, the fundraising organization for St. Francis and St. Gertrude’s.

The donation, being announced today, will pay for the purchase of a 3D Mammography Tomosythesis system which is expected to be available by the end of the year. Tomosynthesis captures images of a breast at multiple angles during a short scan, instantly reconstructing them as 3D images. With 3D mammography, patients benefit from reduced callbacks for additional imaging; earlier detection of breast cancer, especially in younger women with dense breasts; and high-tech breast imaging close to home.

Dr. Hestness, Medical Director of Diagnostic Services at St. Francis, said that this new mammography technology will increase the detection of early breast cancers and reduce the need for additional imaging. “This 3D technology provides a clearer picture of the breast, so radiologists can more accurately analyze the size, shape, and location of any suspicious areas. The technology finds more invasive cancers earlier when they are easiest to treat and reduces the frequency of additional imaging,” said Dr. Hestness. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women, exceeded only by lung cancer.

“We’re thrilled that the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is partnering with St. Francis on this lifesaving technology,” said Mike McMahan, President. “The sooner a cancer can be identified, the higher the likelihood of successful treatment and cure. That is a huge gift back to our community,” he added.

Underlying the connection between the SMSC and St. Francis is the shared value of having excellent health care, right here in the community. “St. Francis is the local hospital where many SMSC members receive their health care. We want the best possible health care for them and our neighbors in this community,” said SMSC Chairman Charlie Vig. “This donation helps ensure continued investment in the best and newest technologies at St. Francis.”

Since 1990, the SMSC has donated more than $2 million to St. Francis and St. Gertrude’s to purchase lifesaving equipment and improve health care and services for the local area. The SMSC also partners with St. Francis and St. Gertrude’s on Witaya Care, an innovative program to achieve more culturally sensitive care for Native American patients, improve patient outcomes and satisfaction, as well as reduce service duplication and costs. In the program’s first three years, the partners have made significant improvements in all of these areas.