The Government of Nova Scotia will provide $1.875 million to purchase new mammography systems and workstations to support high-quality breast screening across the province."Early detection saves lives. In countries that offer breast screening programs, mortality rates are now at the lowest they've been since 1950," said Health and Wellness Minister Leo Glavine. "This new equipment will be used for breast imaging at seven locations in the Halifax area, Cape Breton and the Annapolis Valley."                         The new mammography systems are a part of the provincial breast screening program, which is celebrating its 25th Anniversary today, Dec. 1. The equipment will be used for breast imaging at seven locations: –- Cobequid Community Health Centre, Lower Sackville–- Dartmouth General Hospital–- Halifax Shopping Centre–- IWK Health Centre, Halifax Regional Municipality–- Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney–- Cape Breton mobile screening unit –- Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville The total cost of the mammography systems is $2.5 million. Government will contribute $1.875 million, with another $625,000 coming from community fundraising. The equipment will replace older technology, increasing capacity and reliability.Nova Scotia Health Authority and the IWK Health Centre identified these projects as priorities. Patients from across the province will benefit from this new equipment. "We would like to thank our government and community partners for making this investment a reality," said Steven D'Arcy, chief financial officer, IWK Health Centre. "The IWK is committed to providing high-quality care for our patients and this includes having access to the most advanced technology that improves early detection."The new equipment will be purchased immediately. Installation dates will vary.Source: Release