Breast screening can help find breast cancer early, before you have symptoms. Finding cancer early can improve the chances of successful treatment. If you are between the ages of 40 and 74, talk with your family doctor or nurse practitioner about getting checked for breast cancer. Regular screening can detect cancer early, improving the chances for positive treatment outcomes. If you are over age 74, speak with your family doctor or nurse practitioner about whether breast screening is still right for you.
Most eligible people ages 40 to 74 should get a mammogram every 2 years. People ages 40 to 49 are encouraged to make an informed decision about breast screening based on their personal preferences and risk.
Some people may be eligible for the High-Risk Ontario Breast Screening Program. This program is for eligible people ages 30 to 69 who meet high-risk criteria and have a referral from a doctor or nurse practitioner. High-risk screening usually includes annual mammography and breast MRI. Breast ultrasound may be used if MRI is not medically appropriate.
You can self-refer by contacting an Ontario Breast Screening Program location directly. You can also call the Ontario Breast Screening Program appointment booking line at 1-800-668-9304. Even if you don't have a family doctor or nurse practitioner, and you are over the age of 40 you can still get a mammogram.
You can search for mammogram wait times and locations in your area on the Ontario Health website.
For more information about breast screening and how to get screened, visit the Screening for Breast Cancer page on the Cancer Care Ontario website.
