Breast cancer is still the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer across Canada, but it’s no longer the most fatal.
“I think a long time ago, there was kind of that idea that breast cancer was a bit of a death sentence, but, it really isn’t anymore. About 90 per cent of women are surviving five years after their diagnosis,” explained Harmony McRae, health promotion facilitator with Screen Test.
She continued, “We really want to encourage women that it’s about survival now, and taking the reins of your health by getting preventative services.”
One way Alberta Health Services (AHS) makes it easier for women in rural Alberta to receive mammograms is through Screen Test, a mobile mammography clinic that travels to over 100 communities offering screenings for women from ages 50 to 74.
“They’re a lot of women who aren’t getting screened regularly, and ending up with later-stage breast cancer, which we don’t want to see,” McRae said, adding the unit makes it more convenient for women who don’t have time to travel to get tested.
The program will be making a stop in Bonnyville Jan. 3 to 5, and 7 to 12. They will set up shop at the Bonnyville Health Centre, behind the ambulance building.
It allows those who are at most risk of developing breast cancer to detect any changes in the breast tissue.
“Mammograms can find early changes in the breast tissue that can mean breast cancer that women are getting earlier treatment (for), so typically their survival rate is a lot better the earlier the cancer is found,” McRae noted.
The program is offered through AHS, and is free of charge for any woman who has an Alberta health card number.
While women ages 50 to 74 don’t need a referral to make an appointment, anyone in their 40s are required to get a recommendation from their physician.
“We will see them, but they do need to talk to their doctors about the risks and benefits... Once they’ve seen their doctor, and had that conversation... they can call and make that appointment,” detailed McRae.
Last year, 260 patients were seen in Bonnyville alone.
“We have about 320 appointments available. We’re about half full, so we still have lots of room and we have space every year for new ladies. If people haven’t been to us before, they can call us and talk to us to see if they can come,” expressed McRae.
For women wanting to book an appointment or learn more, call 1-800-667-0604 or go to their website screeningforlife.ca/screentest.
