A new provincial breast health screening program was announced today to promote earlier detection of breast cancer and reduce deaths from breast cancer among Prince Edward Island women.
Health and Social Services minister Mildred Dover advised that the new PEI Breast Health Screening Program is a province-wide program to make early detection of breast cancer possible for Prince Edward Island women aged 50 to 69.
Mammography screening clinics will soon be introduced at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Prince County Hospital. At the clinics, women will receive a mammogram and a physical breast examination. Information and education will also be provided about breast health and breast self examination.
Women may make their own appointment to attend a clinic by dialling a toll free number. A doctor's referral is not necessary.
"The goal of the program is to reduce mortality from breast cancer by detecting it at an early stage. By making it easier for women to have mammograms and by offering this service in friendly, caring environments, we hope to increase the number of Island women who have mammograms on a regular basis. By offering good information and education, we hope the clinics will also assist women to take more control over their own breast health," said the minister.
The clinics will begin February 2, 1998 at the QEH and within four to six weeks at the PCH.
The program is targeted to Island women aged 50 to 69. Dr. Kim Hender, QEH radiologist advised that most provincial mammography screening programs are targeted to this age group, the age when most breast cancers are detected.
She advised that women eligible for screening are women aged 50 to 69 who have no history of breast cancer or breast implants, no mammogram within the last year and no acute breast symptoms.
Women under age 50 or over 69 may contact their family doctor to discuss what is most suitable for them. Dr. Hender advised that numerous international studies have found that early detection of breast cancer through regular mammography screening of women aged 50 or older can reduce mortality by 30% and improve both length and quality of life.
"Early detection of breast cancer can save your life. The earlier the cancer is found, the better your chances of survival, and usually the earlier the cancer is found the less difficult the treatment," she said.
Dr. Hender advised that while there is a risk in having a mammogram, the risk-benefit ratio is very much in favour of screening. "The radiation from mammography is equivalent to that received during a trans-Canada flight, walking on the beach for ten minutes, or having a dental x-ray," she said.
Provincial clinic coordinator Norah Smith said that women can expect to be at the clinic for about 45 minutes. "At the clinic their health history will be taken and they will have the opportunity to see a brief video on how a mammogram is done. Their mammogram will be done by a trained technologist and the clinical breast examination by a nurse with special training. Women will learn how to do breast self-examination, and have the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about breast health with other women in a friendly environment," she said.
Mammogram results will be mailed to the patient and her family physician within two weeks after attending a clinic. If the results are normal, the woman will be invited to be rescreened in two years. Women with abnormal results will be referred to their family physician for additional investigation.
The program is a joint initiative of the Department of Health and Social Services, the Medical Society of PEI, Canadian Cancer Society, PEI Division, the Breast Cancer Survivors Network, the Atlantic Breast Cancer Information Project and women of PEI.
Dr. Sandy Duffield King, president of the PEI Breast Cancer Survivors Network said the clinics will increase awareness about early detection of breast cancer and enable women to become active partners in managing their own health. "Women will often attend a screening clinic to have a mammogram because they can come with a friend and a doctor's referral is not needed. The clinics provide an excellent opportunity to learn about breast self examination in a relaxed atmosphere with other women," she said.
To attend the QEH clinic women may call 1-888-858-2915. Charlottetown callers should call 894 2915. To attend the PCH clinic call 1-888-432-2699.
There is no charge to attend a clinic. The program is funded by the Department of Health and Social Services at a cost of approximately $200,000. per year.
For more information on the PEI contact Johanne Irwin, Department of Health and Social Services at 368 6736.