Breast screening program turns 15

Submitted by
OBSP

The Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) is celebrating 15 years of delivering high quality breast screening to Ontario women. Since the screening program began the deaths from breast cancer have been reduced by 29% in women age 50-69.
Regular breast screening can find cancers early when they are small and less likely to have spread. According to the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care, women over the age of 50 should have a mammogram every two years.
Since the OBSP started its program in Northwestern Ontario in 1991 with the regional mobile coach and affiliate centres, breast screening has grown to include approximately 45% of women in the region 50 and over. “The fact that we have the second highest screening rate in the province demonstrates the mobile screening programs success and that our initiatives address geography, accessibility, and culture,”stated Alison McMullen, Director of Preventive Oncology. “However, we need to encourage woman who are about to turn 50 to attend regular breast screening.”
Organized screening programs like the OBSP make regular screening easier for women to access. Women 50 or over, with or without a family physician can book their own appointments and are reminded by letter when they are due for their next screening appointment. The program books mammograms, tells patients their screening results and arranges follow up tests or referrals when needed.
For every 100 women screened, nine are referred for further tests and one of these will have breast cancer. This is a program that is really needed,” said Lenore Gould, a woman from Red Lake who attends the mobile screening coach when it visits her community,
“I had a sister who passed away from breast cancer so it is really important that I be screened regularly. I always get a reminder letter when it’s time to book and appointment and I also receive my results very quickly, which is reassuring when your know there is breast cancer in your family. The appointments are always fast and convenient and I never feel rushed. The staff are excellent, making me feel comfortable and relaxed. They are very professional, and answer any questions I have.”
The Breast Screening Coach travels to 28 communities in Northwestern Ontario. The Coach will be in Rainy River April 6-8. Women 50 and over are invited to make an appointment for a clinical breast exam and mammogram by calling 1-800-461-7031