By Scott Hayes, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Jasper Fitzhugh
October 17, 2023
The annual mobile mammography service will be stationed at the Jasper Seton Healthcare Centre from Nov. 6 to 10.
The clinic will offer the Alberta Health Services (AHS) Screen Test program to women aged 45 to 74. This age group is most at risk of developing breast cancer.
Jasper does not have mammography services year-round, but early detection is key to a positive outcome, and the mobile clinic helps reduce the barriers to access.
“Mammograms don’t prevent breast cancer, but they do find these abnormalities at an early stage,” said Joan Hauber, manager of the Screen Test program. “Screening mammograms are for women who don’t have any signs or symptoms.”
For most of the population, a mammogram should be done every two years. Others should get it every year. Jasper generally sees attendance of 130 to 170 women at these clinics.
A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast and has proven to be the most effective way to detect breast cancer, reads AHS’s announcement of the clinic.
“It’s important to be aware of any changes in your breasts. Make sure your healthcare provider does a breast exam during your regular health checkup. Check your breasts regularly for any changes,” reads its information pamphlet on the procedure.
It advises that changes could include a new lump in your breast or armpit; the nipple has turned inward; crusting, bleeding or a rash on your nipple; unusual nipple discharge; and dimpling or thickening of skin on the breast.
The regularity of these screenings helps greatly in determining changes in a woman’s breast tissue. This gives radiologists the opportunity to compare the same woman’s tests over time and see small changes as early as possible.
“That comparison is very important. If there is a breast cancer, it allows us to find it when potentially it’s very small, and then there’s a better chance for survival and more treatment options, too.”
While the program is directed at the target age group, women younger than 45 or older than 74 can still talk to their doctors about continuing to receive mammograms.
Statistics say that one in seven women will develop breast cancer.
Residents can book an appointment or learn more about the program by calling 1-800-667-0604 or by visiting www.screeningforlife.ca/screentest.
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