The Women’s Cancer Detection Society (WCDS) is a local Charity founded in 1964 to help local women. The WCDS carried out pioneering work in breast screening by running a charity screening service for nearly 20 years.
In 1988 the NHS Breast Screening Programme was established and the charity has since given support by providing equipment and research grants to Gateshead Breast Screening Unit.
What we do
From being the provider of the screening service in the early days the charity now supports the research work of the clinic. Grants provide continuing support for a biostatistician and research into the basic nature of the cancer cell along with the University of Newcastle. It encourages the work of post-graduate research students into the cause of cancer and the refinement of its treatment.
It has always provided equipment involved in the early diagnosis of cancer including x-ray, ultrasound, computing and pathology equipment. We recently raised funds to support the change from x-ray films to digital imaging. Digital imaging speeds up the screening process and improves image quality, particularly in younger women.
In September 2003 the Queen Elizabeth Hospital built a new specially designed breast unit. The WCDS provided a prone table/vacuum assisted core biopsy unit. This system allows samples of tissue to be taken under local anaesthetic which previously would have required a surgery. The huge target of £160,000 was raised.
In 2016 The WCDS raised in excess of £280,000 to provide a the Breast Screening unit with a state of the art Tomosynthesis machine which will allow small abnormalities in the breast to be seen more clearly and assist the doctor to make an accurate diagnosis more quickly, helping to reduce anxiety for more patients.
How can I help?
The charity has many fundraisers, some undertake a one-off event, and many organise events year after year and donate on a regular basis. If you would like to support us you could:
- make a donation, however small
- hold a fundraising event or sponsorship event
- fill a collection box
- sell WCDS badges
For more information on the charity you can visit the women’s cancer detection society website.
Making a donation
To make a donation contact:
Mrs Kathryn Jobes
Financial Secretary
Women’s Cancer Detection Society
Breast Screening Unit
Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Gateshead
NE9 6SX
Tel: 0191 440 1980 or 07793035674
Email: [email protected]