Breast Screening Centre
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 who are at average risk for breast cancer.
In Ontario, women can receive a screening mammogram in one of two settings :
Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP)
The Ontario Breast Screening Program does not require a referral from a doctor or nurse practitioner to provide screening for women aged 50 and over who are at average risk for breast cancer. Women enrolled in the Ontario Breast Screening Program will be notified of their test results. You will also be automatically sent a reminder when your next mammogram is due. If follow-up is necessary, it is coordinated by either the screening site or your family doctor or nurse practitioner.
The OBSP also provides screening for women aged 30 to 69 who are at high risk for breast cancer. A doctor’s referral is needed for screening for women at high risk. Learn more about those at high risk for breast cancer at Who Should Get Screened for Breast Cancer?
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.
Tip : You can read more about breast cancer screening and find the right time for you to be screened by using the Time to Screen Tool.
Use this option
- To be screened for breast cancer if you are a woman over 50 who is at average risk for breast cancer, or if you are under 50 and your family doctor or nurse practitioner has requested that you be screened for breast cancer.
