October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Niagara Health is urging anyone who is eligible for breast screening to schedule an appointment.
One-in-eight women will get breast cancer in their lifetime. It is the most common type of cancer for women in Ontario and it has one of the highest survival rates, which is why early detection is so important.
“Screening for breast cancer is simple and can be life-saving,” says Mike Sharma, Director of Diagnostic Imaging and Laboratory Services, Niagara Health. “Unfortunately, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve seen a decline in mammography screening. The earlier breast screening is detected, the better treatment has a chance of working.”
In late 2021, Niagara Health expanded mammography services to accommodate growth that we experienced prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and to address the backlog from the pandemic more quickly to help ensure patients receive timely care.
“We know that a breast cancer diagnosis can be very stressful, upsetting and overwhelming,” says Dr. Abhi Hallock, Head of Radiation Medicine Program, Niagara Health. “Patients coming to the Walker Family Cancer Centre can expect to be met with caring and compassionate teams who understand what it’s like to be given a breast cancer diagnosis. We’re here to help patients throughout this process.”
Women aged 50 to 74 who are at average risk for breast cancer can schedule a mammogram (without a doctor’s referral) every two years through the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP).
Niagara Health has three full-service OBSP Centres and Assessment Clinics in Niagara Falls, St. Catharines and Welland. In addition, the Mobile Cancer Screening Coach, operated by the Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant Regional Cancer Care Program, also provides cancer screening services in Fort Erie and Port Colborne.
To learn more about breast screening at Niagara Health and to schedule an appointment, visithttps://www.niagarahealth.on.ca/site/breast-screening
To learn more about the Mobile Cancer Screening Coach, such as eligibility and schedule, visithttps://hnhbscreenforlife.ca/screenforlifecoach/
