Points North
Family Health Team
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Breast Cancer Screening
Breast Screening
Clinical guidelines recommend regular mammograms (breast x-rays) to enable early detection and treatment of breast cancer. Breast screening using a mammogram is advised for women aged 50 and older.
In Ontario, women can receive a screening mammogram in one of two settings :
Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP)
The Ontario Breast Screening Program, for women aged 50 and over, does not require a referral from a doctor or nurse practitioner. Women enrolled in the Ontario Breast Screening Program will be notified of their test results, and will be automatically sent a reminder when their next mammogram is due. If follow-up is necessary, it is coordinated by either the screening site or your family doctor or nurse practitioner. Call 1-800-461-7031 for an appointment.
Breast Screening Centre
Hospitals or Independent Health Facilities that are not part of the Ontario Breast Screening Program can also provide screening mammography services for women of all ages. These breast screening locations require you to have a referral from your family doctor or nurse practitioner.
Tip : Women 50 years of age and older should have a mammogram, generally every two years. If you’re under 50 or if you have any questions about your risk for breast cancer, speak with your family doctor or nurse practitioner to find out more about breast cancer screening and breast awareness.
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(Cancer Care Ontario 2015)