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Currently, the cause of breast cancer is unknown. What is known, however, is that early detection saves lives. Regular breast screening can find cancer when it is small. That means:
- There is a better chance of successful treatment
- It is less likely to spread
- There may be more treatment options
Knowing this, comprehensive breast screening recommendations have been developed for women. The following recommendations are based on current Canadian Cancer Society and Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation guidelines.
Breast screening is regular examination of the breasts to find any hidden problems. It combines three different screening methods:
1) Clinical (Physical) Breast Examination
A clinical breast exam is a manual and visual examination of the breasts by a trained health care professional. Women of all ages should have a clinical breast exam once a year.
2) Mammography
A mammogram is a special low-dose x-ray of the breast. These x-rays can detect breast changes in women who have no signs of breast cancer. Women in Ontario between the ages of 50-69 can make an appointment for a mammogram at an Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) site without a doctor's referral. For more information call the OBSP Information Line at 1-800-668-9304 or visit the OBSP website.
3) Breast Self-Examination (BSE)
BSE is a method that women can use to check their own breasts. To learn more about BSE visit the Canadian Cancer Society website or call the Canadian Cancer Society's Cancer Information Service toll-free at 1-888-939-3333 and ask for a free Breast Self-Examination guide.
CAUTION: Each of these screening methods has its own rate of accuracy, and none is foolproof. This fact is reflected in a report from the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care, which concluded that there is no clear evidence that BSE reduces breast cancer deaths. However, the report also noted that many breast cancers are discovered by women themselves, and although the evidence does not support routinely teaching BSE, women should be instructed to promptly report any breast changes or concerns to their health care provider.
All women, regardless of their age, should discuss the risks and benefits of BSE and mammography with their health care provider. Each woman should decide for herself whether BSE is right for her.
The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and the Canadian Cancer Society both maintain the position that BSE should remain a part of breast screening. When breast self-exams, clinical breast exams and mammography are combined, they form the best diagnostic tools that exist to date.
Local OBSP Breast Screening Sites
Ontario Breast Screening Program - Brockville Site
Brockville General Hospital
75 Emma Street,
Brockville, Ontario
K6V 1S8
613-345-8304
Ontario Breast Screening Program - Ottawa Site
1419 Carling Ave. Suite 214
Hampton Park Plaza
Ottawa, Ontario
K1Z 7L6
613-728-0777
1-800-465-6226
Ontario Breast Screening Program - Kingston Site
Providence Continuing Care
1st floor Medical Building South
752 King St W
Kingston, ON
K7L 4X3
613-384-4284
1-800-465-8850
Ontario Breast Screening Program - Winchester Site
Winchester District Memorial Hospital
566 Louise Street,
Winchester, Ontario
K0C 2K0
613-774-2420 ext. 5617
Ontario Breast Screening Program - Renfrew Site
Renfrew Victoria Hospital
499 Raglan Street N.,
Renfrew, Ontario
K7V 1P6
613-432-4851
1-800-916-6277
Breast Screening Recommendations
Women age 20-39 should:
- Know your breasts and how they look and feel by doing a breast self-examination (BSE) regularly.
- Have a clinical breast exam by a trained health care professional once a year.
Women age 40-49 should:
- Know your breasts and do a BSE regularly.
- Have a clinical breast exam by a trained health care professional once a year.
- Begin to discuss mammography with their health care provider.
Women age 50-74 should:
- Know your breasts and do a BSE regularly.
- Have a clinical breast exam by a trained health care professional once a year.
- Have a screening mammogram every 2 years at an OBSP centre. Click here or call 1-800-668-9304 to find the OBSP site nearest to you.
Women age 75 and over should:
- Continue to know your breasts and perform a BSE regularly.
- Have a clinical breast exam by a trained health care professional once a year.
- Discuss the need for mammography with their health care provider.
What Else Can Women Do to Stay Healthy?
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