Ontario Breast Screening Program

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Are you a woman age 50 or over?
Finding breast cancer early could save your life.

Do you know?

Finding breast cancer early saves lives
When the breast cancer is very small, there is a good chance of a cure
Mammograms (breast x-rays) can find small breast cancers 2 to 3
years before they can be felt
The two major risk factors for breast cancer are being a woman and getting older
Eight out of ten breast cancers are found in women age 50 and over
Most women who get breast cancer have no family history of the disease
Women age 50 and over should have a mammogram at least every two years
The Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) offers women 50 years and over:
- High-quality mammography
- Physical examination of the breast (at most sites)
- Information on breast awareness/self-examination
- A reminder to return for screening
Women age 50 and over can call the OBSP to make their own appointment
The service is free of charge

Call for more information or an appointment at the nearest program:

Ontario Breast Screening Program

Provincial Toll Free Number: 1-800-661-8897

www.cancercare.on.ca/obsp

What is breast screening?

Two common methods of breast screening are:

Clinical breast examination
Screening mammogram

Clinical Breast Examination
A clinical breast examinationis done by a trained healthcare professional . If you are over the age of 40, it is recommended you have one every two years. Speak to your family physician.

Mammogram
A low-dose x-ray picture of your breast is taken to look for abnormal changes of the breast. This should be done by an experienced and specially trained x-ray technologist. Ask if the mammography department is accredited by the Canadian Association of Radiologists. This means the department meets quality standards for breast mammograms.

Are mammograms helpful in finding cancer?

Yes. Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early. Not all cancers can be seen on a mammogram, so it is also important to have a physical breast exam by your doctor or nurse.

Are mammograms safe?

Yes, the breast X-ray uses low amounts of radiation
All Ontario Breast Screening Program locations meet the standards
and guidelines set by the Canadian Association of Radiologists

Who can have a screening mammogram?

Practice good breast health by following the breast screening recommendations below:

Under age 50
Discuss the risk of breast cancer and the benefits and risks of a mammogram with your doctor.
From age 50 - 69
Attend the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) at least every two years.
Over age 69
Talk to your doctor about continuing in the Ontario Breast Screening Program. You may still benefit from screening.

Why screen for breast cancer?

Breast screening can find cancer early
Finding breast cancer early saves lives
As women get older, their chance of getting breast cancer increases
In Ontario, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women

Is breast screening free?

Yes. All screening sites in Ontario are fully funded by the Ontario government.

How do you make an appointment?

If you are age 50 or older, you can make your own appointment or your health care professional may send you to be screened. Call the Ontario Breast Screening Program:

1-800-661-8897.

What happens at the screening appointment?

Your appointment will take about 45 minutes
You will be given a gown and be asked to undress from the waist up
Some locations have a specially trained nurse who will examine your breasts.
This is done because some cancers cannot be seen on mammograms.
A breast x-ray called a mammogram is taken of each breast by a specially
trained mammography technologist
Your breast is pressed between two plastic plates on the mammography machine. You may feel some discomfort but it takes only a few seconds.
You will receive your mammogram report in about two weeks. If you agree, your doctor will also be sent a copy of your report.
If you need more tests, your doctor or the breast screening site will arrange them

What else can women do?

It is important to be aware of any changes in your breasts. If you find any changes, see your health care professional. At the screening program, there will be information on what changes to look for.

For more information see 'Mammogram' under the 'Diagnostic Tests' tab.

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