Breast Screening Mammography Program
Cancer Care and Healthcare Providers
Provided by BC Cancer
To provide early detection of breast cancer, BC Cancer Breast Screening offers free screening mammography to eligible BC participants, including transgender, gender-diverse and non-binary people, aged 40 and older.
Mammograms are x-rays of the breasts completed in privacy by a specially-trained technologist. Screening mammograms are for individuals without breast problems (i.e. asymptomatic) and, therefore, not considered urgent care. Read more about screening mammography
Screening mammograms are available for BC women 40 years and older.
If aged 40 to 74, with a first-degree relative (mother, daughter, sister) with breast cancer:: Routine screening mammogram is recommended every year. Those with a family history of breast cancer are almost two times more likely to develop breast cancer.
If aged 40 to 49, without a family history of breast cancer:: Speak with the patient about the benefits and limitations of mammography. If screening mammography is chosen, it is available every two years.
If aged 50 to 74, without a family history of breast cancer: Routine screening mammogram is recommended every two years. In this age group, the benefits of screening mammography clearly outweigh the limitations.
If aged 75+: Speak with the patient about the benefits and limitations of mammography. If screening mammography is chosen, it is available every two to three years.
If at high risk of breast cancer: Routine screening mammogram is recommended every year if aged 30 to 74 and at least one of the following applies:
- The patient is a BRCA1, BRCA2 or other gene variant carrier with a risk of developing breast cancer;
- The patient is an untested first-degree relative of BRCA1, BRCA 2 or gene variant carrier;
- You have a very strong family history1 of breast cancer, or,
- The patient has a very strong family history of breast cancer*, or,
- The patient has had prior chest wall radiation.
*A very strong family history includes 2 cases of breast cancer in close female relatives (mother, sister, daughter, aunt, grandmother, great-aunt) on the same side of the family, with both diagnosed before age 50; or 3 or more cases of breast cancer in close female relatives on the same side of the family, with at least one diagnosed before age 50.
If eligible for breast screening, the patient can call 1-800-663-9203 or their local breast screening centre directly to book an appointment.
If at increased risk due to a prior tissue diagnosis after a biopsy: Diagnostic mammograms are recommended every year for individuals with a prior tissue diagnosis of:
- Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia (ADH)
- Atypical Lobular Hyperplasia (ALH)
- Classical Lobular Carcinoma in Situ (LCIS)
An individual is ineligible for screening mammography through the Breast Screening Program if any of the following apply:
- Was previously diagnosed with breast cancer.
- Is currently experiencing breast health concerns such as palpable lump(s), nipple discharge, pain, and/or skin thickening. These patients should be seen by a primary care provider immediately.
- Had breast augmentation enhancements surgery, such as with implants in place or injections.
- Has been pregnant or breastfeeding within the last three months. They can return to routine screening three months after completion of breast-feeding.
- Had a mammogram of both breasts in the last 12 months (they must wait at least a year before having another screening mammogram). They will be eligible for their next screening mammogram a year after their last bilateral mammogram
Instead, ineligible participants (except patients who have been pregnant or breast-feeding within the last three months or who have had a mammogram of both breasts in the last 12 months) will require a diagnostic mammogram. A breast imaging requisition form must be completed by a primary care provider and submitted to a diagnostic imaging facility.
Location finder: http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/screening...
Toll Free: 1-800-663-9203 (to make a booking anywhere in BC)
Wheelchair accessible.
Service is available in English.
Cost: No cost
Referral options:
- Self-referral
- Physician or nurse practitioner referral
Details: Self-referral if participant is over the age of 40. However, the participant must identify a primary care provider during booking (Physician, Nurse Practitioner, Naturopath, Walk-in or Virtual Clinic) who can follow-up with them if needed. Provider-referral required if participant is between ages 30-39 and is at high risk for breast cancer.
Associated Programs/Services
Also offered by BC Cancer:
Just the closest matches listed. Click to see more!- Supportive Cancer Care Program
- Cervical Screening Program - HPV Screening & Colposcopy
- Cancer and Work - Helping Cancer Survivors Return to Work
Availability
Service area: Province-wide
Ways to Access
- Provided 1:1 in-person
- Provided at multiple locations
The listing of this service in Pathways is not a recommendation or endorsement by Pathways.