Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Dr. David McCready and his 'Dream'
A renowned surgical oncologist at The Princess Margaret, Dr. David McCready and his team understand the hardships of waiting an average of 33 days* for a breast cancer diagnosis. It is for this reason that Dr. McCready and his team developed the model of a Rapid Diagnostic Centre. They have transformed this idea from a pilot project to a two-day-a-week clinic. Other centres offer rapid diagnosis programs but it is believed that The Gattuso Rapid Diagnostic Centre is currently the only Centre in Canada, that can provide a histologic (the type and stage) breast cancer diagnosis and a treatment plan if required, within one day. The patient then takes the plan back to their referring physician, where they are followed up.
Dr. McCready’s vision is simple – to revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer at The Princess Margaret and beyond. Building on the incredible success of the current Centre, The Princess Margaret is in the unique position to do just that.
Once at full capacity (by 2013), The Gattuso Rapid Diagnostic Centre will diagnose and treat up to 3,000 breast cancer patients from the GTA and beyond, annually. It will also collaborate with other breast centres of excellence to ensure not only rapid diagnosis, but state-of-the-art breast cancer treatment.
If Dr. McCready and his team can change the way breast cancer is diagnosed and treated today with this new model of patient care, we have every reason to believe that many other types of cancer can be more rapidly diagnosed, tomorrow.
The Princess Margaret is breaking new ground, and together we can make revolutionary things happen. Don’t wait. Give today.
To make a donation to the Centre, click here or call toll-free, 416-946-6560.
*Canadian Breast Cancer Network (2008) Breast Cancer Wait Times in Canada Report Card, 12.
