In support of breast cancer awareness month, the Waterloo Wellington Regional Cancer Program (WWRCP) is encouraging women 50 to 74 years old to be screened for breast cancer every two years.
The Ontario Breast Cancer Screening Program (OBSP) offers screening at 10 sites across Waterloo Wellington region and no doctor’s referral is required.
In addition, the OBSP high risk screening program at Grand River Hospital facilitates genetic assessment for eligible women who may be at high risk for breast cancer. It also offers screening mammography and breast MRI for women whose high risk status has been confirmed.
For Kelly Cronin, a 40-year-old area resident, participating in the high risk breast cancer screening program meant getting to know her breast health better.
“I have always done self-breast exams, but given my family history of breast cancer I thought it was a good idea to really know what was normal for me,” says Cronin.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Canadian women. It affects one in nine women in their lifetime. An estimated 9,500 women in Ontario will be diagnosed with it in 2014. Sadly, 1,950 will die from the disease.
“After my sister was recently diagnosed with an invasive form of breast cancer I spoke with my family doctor about my breast cancer concerns,” says Cronin.
“Women who think they may be at high risk for breast cancer need to visit their family doctor for a referral to the high risk screening program based on their family or medical history,” says Dr. Rachael Halligan, regional primary care lead with the Waterloo Wellington regional cancer program.
The high risk screening program is available to eligible women aged 30 to 69.
“Research shows that women between the ages of 50 and 69 who get screened regularly with mammography can reduce their risk of dying from breast cancer by 21 per cent,” says Dr. Halligan.
After confirming her high risk status, Cronin visited a genetics counselor and completed an MRI and mammogram as part of her screening program. She will also return to the program annually and continue to be monitored for breast cancer.
Shockingly, about 40 per cent of eligible women in our region are still not getting screened regularly.
“I strongly encourage all women at average or high risk to call their nearest OBSP site to make an appointment. There is nothing to fear but fear itself,” says Cronin. “Simply put, regular screening through the program has put my mind at ease.”
To find out when to start screening for cancer, or to encourage friends and family to get screened, visit the “time to screen” tool at: www.ontario.ca/screenforlife.
To find a local screening site women can call 519-749-4300 ext. 3544 or visit: www.cancercare.on.ca/breastscreening/locations.
