OLDS — A mobile screen test mobile mammography unit, set up in Olds saw fewer clients than in previous years, an Alberta Health Services (AHS) spokesperson says.
The unit, to screen for breast cancer, unit was set up at the Olds Hospital and Care Centre from Feb. 9 -18. Appointments were required.
During that period, a total of 209 clients screened for breast cancer, according to Heather Kipling, Central Zone director of AHS communications.
In an email, Kipling said over the past five years, the number of clients attending the unit for screening has varied from 233 up to as many as 308.
“Experts agree that mammograms are the best screening test for people at average risk of breast cancer,” the MyHealthalberta.ca Network website says.
The website provides guidelines on how frequently those at average risk for breast cancer should look at getting mammograms, based on their age group.
It says regular mammograms are not recommended for those age 40 to 44.
If people in that age group want to begin screening for breast cancer they should consult their doctor and get a referral for one.
The site says if they do begin getting breast cancer screening, yearly screening is recommended.
It’s recommended that those who range in age between 45 and 74 get a mammogram every two years. The website says people in this age group can simply self-refer for the screening.
The website says those who are 75 years old or more should consult with their doctor as to whether they need to continue getting screened for breast cancer.
