Dr. Nancy Wadden
Associate professor of radiology
Dr. Nancy Wadden (class of 1984) has joined the Discipline of Radiology as the first sub-specialist in breast imaging. Following a residency and fellowship at the University of Toronto, she worked for the past eight years at the Toronto Hospital as head of breast imaging. She will use her skills in this province to head up a provincial beast cancer screening program.
Breast imaging involves not only mammography but also breast ultrasound and
breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The basic screening procedure is mammography,
with ultrasound used to further examine any abnormalities. "MRI is still a research
tool but is proving to be helpful in showing the extent of disease in certain cases,"
said Dr. Wadden.
In order to reduce mortality from breast cancer, 70 per cent of women in the target population must be screened. A pilot project was recently completed in St. John's and Gander to promote breast screening, and Dr. Wadden said the patients were more than compliant.
"In Newfoundland we have the opportunity to make a big difference in breast cancer mortality because of the contained population and social behaviour. If we can expand this program to the whole province, we'll really see a difference."
Dr. Wadden said there are an adequate number of technologists for mammography in the province, but new equipment is badly needed. "We need a dedicated breast ultrasound machine and a magnetic resonance breast coil. Other equipment needs upgrading."
Dr. Wadden is chair of the Mammography Accreditation Program of the Canadian Association of Radiologists, which accredits facilities across Canada. Her work includes teaching and lecturing on breast imaging nationally and internationally.
Originally from Gander, Dr. Wadden and her husband, Paul Wadden, are glad to be back in Newfoundland, close to the grandparents of their three-year-old.
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