The Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) screens women ages 30 to 69 who meet the High Risk OBSP eligibility criteria once a year with mammography and breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or screening breast ultrasound if breast MRI is not medically appropriate.
People ages 30 to 69 can get screened through the High Risk OBSP if they have a referral from their primary care provider, a valid Ontario Health Insurance Plan number, no breast cancer symptoms and meet criteria listed in Category A or B.
Eligible for direct entry into the High Risk OBSP based on personal and family history. To fall under this category, at least one of the following criteria must be met:
Genetic assessment required (i.e., counselling and/or testing) to determine eligibility for the High Risk OBSP. To fall under this category, at least one of the following criteria must be met:
People with a personal history of breast cancer and/or breast implants may get screened through the High Risk OBSP if they meet program eligibility criteria.
The High Risk OBSP does not accept new participants over age 70. However, when participants already in the High Risk OBSP turn 70, the program will continue to screen them with mammography only every year until they are age 74
High Risk OBSP sites do not send letters to people over age 74 about participating in the program. To continue screening through the High Risk OBSP, a referral is required from a primary care provider.
A mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breast. Doctors use a mammogram to look for early signs of breast cancer. Regular mammograms can find breast cancer early, sometimes up to three years before it can be felt.
You will stand in front of a special X-ray machine. A technologist will place your breast on a plastic plate. Another plate will firmly press your breast from above. The plates will flatten the breast, holding it still while the X-ray is being taken. You will feel some pressure. The steps are repeated to make a side view of the breast. The other breast will be X-rayed in the same way. You will then wait while the technologist checks the X-rays to make sure the pictures do not need to be redone. Keep in mind that the technologist cannot tell you the results of your mammogram. Each woman’s mammogram may look a little different because all breasts are a little different.
Having a mammogram is uncomfortable for most women. Some women find it painful. A mammogram takes only a few moments, though, and the discomfort is over soon. What you feel depends on the skill of the technologist, the size of your breasts, and how much they need to be pressed. Your breasts may be more sensitive if you are about to get or have your period. A doctor with special training, called a radiologist, will look at the X-ray for early signs of breast cancer or other problems.