Thursday, October 20, 2022
Breast cancer has one of the highest survival rates out of all the cancers in Ontario. Regular breast screening is important because it can find cancer early when it may be smaller and easier to treat.
When Sandra turned 50, she followed in the footsteps of her sister Heather and booked her mammogram with the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP). “For us, breast screening is part of looking after our health. With breast cancer being the most common cancer for women, early detection is important and is generally linked to better outcomes,” says Heather. “We encourage people 50 and older to consider breast screening. The staff at OBSP are very welcoming, kind and friendly which made breast screening a good experience for us.”
“Since 1990 there has been a considerable decrease in the deaths from breast cancer in women ages 50 to 74,” says Stephanie Winn, Regional Director Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario), Northeast Regional Cancer Program. “With a 56% breast screening rate in the Northeast, not enough eligible people are taking advantage of the excellent services offered at the 13 Northeast OBSP sites. Getting screened for breast cancer regularly can help to find cancer early when it may be smaller and easier to treat.”
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Northeast Regional Cancer Program is encouraging people between the ages of 50 and 74 who are eligible for breast screening to book a mammogram at their local OBSP site or by calling 1-800-668-9304. Find an OBSP site near you cancercareontario.ca.
Clients can self-refer, meaning a doctor or nurse practitioner referral is not needed. For more information about breast screening, visit hsnsudbury.ca/cancerscreening or talk to your health care provider.