The Breast & Osteoporosis Center opening at Eastern Maine Medical Center this weekend is a shiny new example of how excellent facilities, combined with effective government support, can make for a healthier community. The center is a welcome addition to the medical services already offered in the Bangor region.

The rise of breast cancer in the United States has been well-documented. The second-leading cause of death among women, after lung cancer, breast cancer will claim approximately 43,500 women this year. Less well-known is osteoporosis, characterized by thinning and fractured bones. It will disable and kill thousands of Americans this year, particularly women over age 50.

Both diseases can be managed, especially if they are caught early. This makes regular screenings a must. Saint Joseph Hospital in Bangor has had mammography and bone-density equipment in use for many years; EMMC’s new center improves on and expands its former Women’s and Mammography Screening centers. The new ground-floor complex at EMMC is designed to streamline services from screening to diagnosis to surgery and further treatment, if necessary, all with an emphasis on providing patients with consistent care and plenty of information at every step of the way.

Many women who never would have gotten screenings now can, thanks to a lot of work by Sen. Olympia Snowe, who for years pushed for Medicare coverage for these illnesses. Last year, Medicare benefits expanded to cover screening for breast cancer for women age 40 and over and bone mass measurements for women at high risk of osteoporosis. The change means that countless women will have these tests done and have a much better outlook as a result.

With Maine’s older-than-average population, not to mention its six months of treacherous weather, having a new easily accessible osteoporosis facility is a true benefit. Combined with the new mammography services, EMMC’s new center expands the region’s excellent medical care.