Book your Mammogram today: Early detection saves lives
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Norfolk General Hospital (NGH) encourages all women to talk to their family doctor or nurse practitioner about getting screened for breast cancer.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Canadian women (excluding non-melanoma skin cancers), with one in eight women being diagnosed in their lifetime. The good news? Early detection through regular mammograms and advancements in treatment have dramatically improved survival rates. Women who participate in breast screening programs have a 40% better chance of survival compared to those who aren’t screened.
Why early diagnosis matters
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, approximately 30,500 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024, and an estimated 5,500 women will lose their lives to the disease. On average, 15 Canadian women die from breast cancer every day.
Many of these deaths could have been prevented through early screening and prompt medical attention. The size of the tumor at diagnosis is a key factor in survival rates—smaller tumors are often more treatable and may not require mastectomies or chemotherapy. Mammograms are the best tool we have to detect breast cancer early, when it’s most treatable and less likely to have spread.
What is a Mammogram?
A mammogram is a safe, low-dose X-ray that provides a detailed image of the breast tissue. At Norfolk General Hospital, we use advanced technology to ensure minimal radiation exposure while delivering clear, accurate results. During the exam, a special device gently compresses the breast to spread out dense tissue, allowing for better images with less radiation.
The importance of booking your Mammogram
The Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) offers free mammograms to women ages 50 to 74 as part of routine healthcare. It’s recommended that women in this age group get screened every two years, as early detection can make all the difference in treatment and outcomes. You don’t need a referral to book your mammogram—you can schedule it directly through the OBSP or with the help of your primary care provider.
For women ages 30 to 69 who are at higher risk of breast cancer, the High-Risk OBSP provides screening with a referral from a doctor. Women in this category must also have a valid Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) number and no acute breast symptoms.
If you’re 40 to 49 years old
As of October 8, 2024, the OBSP expanded eligibility so that people aged 40 to 49 can self-refer for a screening mammogram without needing a doctor or nurse practitioner’s order. This screening is covered under OHIP for eligible individuals.
The program encourages you to talk with your healthcare provider or call Health811 to explore your personal risk and make an informed decision. If you choose to be screened, most people in this age group follow a two-year interval for mammography.
Note: If you are at higher risk (for example, due to a strong family history or genetic predisposition), you may qualify for the High-Risk OBSP, which does require a referral and follows a different screening schedule.
How to book your Mammogram
- To book an appointment through the OBSP, call 519-429-6974
- To learn more about the Mammogram Program at NGH, please [click here]
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