Alberta Health Services is bringing Screen Test to Black Diamond Sept. 6 to 8.
Screen Test is a free service that offers mammograms via AHS’ mobile screening units that travel to 120 communities throughout Alberta to provide convenient access to breast cancer screening.
Having regular screening mammograms is the best way to find breast cancer early, before symptoms appear and when treatment may work better.
If you’re 50 to 74, you don’t need a referral to have a mammogram. Plan to have a mammogram every two years or as decided by you and your health-care provider.
If you’re 40 to 49 or over 75, discuss the risks and benefits of screening with your healthcare provider. You will need a referral if you’re 40 to 49 and it’s your first mammogram, or if you’re over 75.
Call 1-800-667-0604 to book a mammogram with Screen Test.
Breast density scores are now included in your Screen Test result letter. Breast density is the amount of dense tissue compared to the amount of fat in a person’s breasts. It can be harder to find cancer in dense breasts because this tissue appears white on a mammogram, the same colour as many kinds of breast cancer. It’s common to have dense breast tissue.
Dense breasts are only one of many risk factors for breast cancer. Other factors, such as age and genetics, have a bigger impact on overall risk. You can’t tell how dense your breasts are by size, look or feel. The only way to find out is by having a mammogram. Learn more about breast density on screeningforlife.ca.
AHS says enhanced safety measures are in place with the mobile screening units to keep patients and staff safe and help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
For more information on Screen Test and breast cancer screening, visit screeningforlife.ca.
