Women 40 and older are being encouraged to use this month to get screened for breast cancer.
Riverside Health Care is holding a one-day mammography blitz at LaVerendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances on Wednesday, October 23, from 3-7 p.m.
Mammography technologist Tracey Ruppenstein says no appointment is necessary.
“They have to bring their health cards. That way we can register them, but they don’t need to make an appointment, which makes it easy to get your mammogram. There’s no excuses,” says Ruppenstein.
New screening guidelines now allow women aged 40 and older to get a mammogram.
Technologist Chalina Abraham says it is an essential screening that can detect breast cancer early, even before symptoms appear.
“We encourage more women to get tested as it is very important,” says Abraham.
“Every one in eight women is diagnosed with breast cancer in Ontario. Mammograms remain the most effective tool for early detection even before symptoms develop, which significantly improves treatment outcomes.”
Breast cancer is considered the most common cancer among Canadian women and the second leading cause of death from cancer in women.
The Canadian Cancer Society estimates 30,500 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, representing 25% of all new cases this year.
An estimated 5,500 will die from the disease.
Riverside Health Care is holding the blitz as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
There will also be refreshments and cookies, with a nurse examiner conducting breast exams if women need them and ordering a breast ultrasound if required.
