DIDSBURY - For women over 50, a screening mammogram is the best way to find breast cancer early, say officials.
Fortunately, Alberta Health Services is bringing the mobile mammogram van to the Didsbury Health Services (hospital) building from Dec. 12-17.
Harmony McRae, health promotion facilitator, screening programs, Alberta Health Services, said there are still appointments available.
The number to call to book an appointment for the mobile mammogram unit is 1-800-667-0604 (toll-free).
“If ladies want to call and make an appointment, they’re more than welcome to,” said McRae. “We prefer they make an appointment. If they drop in, we’re not sure if we’re able to see them. It’ll depend on how busy we are. It’s best to make an appointment.”
A screening mammogram, which is a special X-ray of the breasts, can help find breast cancer when it is very small, two to three years before you or your doctor can feel it.
“A lot of women don’t realize that breast cancer is still the most diagnosed cancer in all of Alberta and Canada,” she said. “One out of eight women will be diagnosed in their lifetime. A screening mammogram can find breast cancer early.”
McRae said when doctors find cancer in its early stages it’s much easier to treat and outcomes of survival are much better.
“So we really encourage women not to wait until they have a problem like a lump,” she said. “It’s important that they come in and get checked regularly. That way we can find any early cancer.”
McRae said the mobile mammogram unit comes to town about once a year.
“We try to come at about the same time each year,” she said. “The screen test is an AHS service and we serve 120 communities across Alberta.”
The target age for screening is 50-74 years old, which McRae said is the group most likely to be diagnosed with cancer so they’re recommended to be screened every two years.
“Women can start screening at age 40,” she said. “They would need a doctor’s referral and they really should discuss the risks and benefits of screening before they are screened.”
There is no cost for the screening for Alberta residents with a health-care number. For more information visit screeningforlife.ca.
