The History of the South Canterbury Mammography Services Trust

Without the Trust's vision and early recognition of the benefits of mammography - the best method of early breast cancer detection - there would not have been a mammography unit in Timaru, putting the health and lives of untold numbers of women in jeopardy.

The South Canterbury community rallied behind the Trust, raising over $500,000 towards providing facilities for the unit. The first funding campaign established the mammography unit at the old matron's premises (which has since been demolished), while the second and third fundraising campaigns went towards the construction and expansion of its current facility.

The Trust was one of the first providers of mammography, and one of the few purpose-built units in New Zealand. 

In April 2018, the Trust sold its mammography unit business to Pacific Radiology Group to better focus on helping South Canterbury women who are experiencing financial hardship after their breast cancer diagnosis.

Other initiatives are centered around increasing both the numbers of our women currently accessing the breast screening programme, and the ongoing screening of women beyond 69 years (the present age limit of the screening programme).

It goes without saying that we couldn’t offer these initiatives to our women without your support. Please consider donating to the South Canterbury Mammography Services Trust if you are able. Every dollar counts!