Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in Ontario. However, more people in Ontario survive breast cancer than almost every other cancer.
The Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) is a province-wide organized screening program that provides high-quality breast cancer screening services for eligible women, trans and nonbinary people at average risk for breast cancer ages 50 to 74 and for eligible women, trans and nonbinary people at high risk for breast cancer ages 30 to 69.
Average Risk
The Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) recommends that most eligible women, Two-Spirit, trans and nonbinary people ages 50 to 74 get screened with mammography every 2 years.
People ages 50 to 74 are eligible for screening through the OBSP if they:
- have no new breast cancer symptoms
- have no personal history of breast cancer
- have not had a mastectomy
- have not had a screening mammogram within the last 11 months
- if transfeminine, have used feminizing hormones for at least 5 years in a row
A referral from a primary care provider is not required for individuals at average risk.
High Risk
The Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) screens people ages 30 to 69 who meet the High Risk OBSP eligibility criteria once a year with mammography and breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or screening breast ultrasound if breast MRI is not medically appropriate.
Women, trans and nonbinary people may qualify for screening in the High Risk OBSP if they have:
- Certain gene changes
- A higher chance of getting breast cancer based on their family or personal health history, or
- Had previous radiation therapy to the chest
A referral from a primary care provider is required for individuals at high risk.
Where to Get Screened – Average Risk
Thunder Bay
The Linda Buchan Centre for Breast Screening and Assessment
Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre
980 Oliver Road
Thunder Bay, ON
P7B 6V4
(807) 684-7777 or 1-800-461-7031
Thunder Bay Diagnostics
63 Algoma St. N #100
Thunder Bay, ON
P7A 4Z6
(807) 683-4411
www.tbaymedicalcentre.com
Screen for Life Coach
Locations throughout Thunder Bay and the region
980 Oliver Road
Thunder Bay, ON
P7B 6V4
(807) 684-7777 or 1-800-461-7031
www.tbrhsc.net/screenforlife
Fort Frances
Riverside Health Care Facilities
110 Victoria Avenue
Fort Frances, ON
P9A 2B7
(807) 274-4808
http://www.riversidehealthcare.ca/
Kenora
Lake of the Woods District Hospital
21 West Sylvan Street
Kenora, ON
P9N 3W7
(807) 684-7777
http://lwdh.on.ca/
Sioux Lookout
Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre
1 Meno Ya Win Way
PO BOX 909
Sioux Lookout, ON
P8T 1B4
(807) 737-6579
http://www.slmhc.on.ca/
Where to Get Screened – High Risk
A referral from a primary care provider is required for individuals at high risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer starts in the cells that line the ducts or the lobules of the breast. There are two ways to describe breast cancer:
- Invasive: the cancer has grown into surrounding tissues.
- Non-invasive: the cancer is where it started and has not grown into surrounding tissues.
Who is eligible for the OBSP?
The OBSP screens two groups of people:
- Women, Two-Spirit, trans and nonbinary people ages 50 to 74 with no signs of breast cancer.
- People ages 30 to 69 who meet the High Risk OBSP eligibility criteria, have a referral from their primary care provider, and have no symptoms of breast cancer.
What is a mammogram?
A mammogram takes an X-ray picture of the breast and can find changes, even when they are too small for you or your healthcare provider to feel or see.
Why should I have a screening mammogram?
Regular breast cancer screening can find cancer when it is small and easier to treat.
When should I have a mammogram?
It’s recommended that most eligible women, Two-Spirit, trans and nonbinary people ages 50 to 74 have a mammogram every two years as part of their routine medical care.
Do I need a referral?
Eligible people in Ontario ages 50 to 74 can get a mammogram through the OBSP without a referral from a doctor or nurse practitioner.
Is it free to have a mammogram?
Breast cancer screening is free for people who are eligible for the Ontario Breast Screening Program.
What should I do to get ready for a mammogram?
Wear a loose fitting top that buttons down the front. Do not use deodorants, antiperspirants, body lotions, or talcum powders under your arms or on your breasts on the day of your mammogram. Metals in these products can show up on the X-ray image.
What does it mean if more tests are needed?
It is important to know that needing more tests does not necessarily mean you have cancer. It means that the doctors have found something they want to look at more closely.
How can I reduce my risk of developing breast cancer?
Visit MyCancerIQ.ca. This free online tool can help you assess your cancer risk and help reduce it.
