For release - January 5, 1998

Vancouver - The Screening Mammography Program of BC urges all women between 50 and 74 years of age to have a mammogram every two years. It will send letters to women in BC in this age group during the first six months of 1998, inviting them to book an appointment at the nearest screening centre or when the mobile service is nearby. The letters will be sent to the 200,000 women in the province who have never attended the SMPBC and who have not had breast cancer. 

Breast cancer is the most common cancer for women in British Columbia. A mammogram is a special x-ray of the breast that can show breast cancer two or three years before it is large enough to be felt by a breast examination. "This early detection can improve a woman's chances of surviving breast cancer, because there are more treatment options when found in its early stages," says Dr. Ivo Olivotto, medical leader of the SMPBC.

Aging is the strongest risk factor associated with breast cancer. The older a women is, the greater her chances of getting breast cancer.

Judith Pilley agrees that all women between 50 and 74 years of age need to be actively encouraged to have regular mammograms. Pilley, a Vancouver high school vice-principal, learned she had breast cancer following a routine mammogram. "Because I have regular mammograms, I can say 'I had cancer and now I don't have it anymore'," says Pilley. "Early detection means less invasive treatment and a better chance of survival."

The SMPBC made special arrangements with the Ministry of Health to provide names and addresses for the invitation letter, under strict confidentiality provisions, and with the approval of the Privacy Commissioner. These names were released to the Program for one-time use only.

Women who wish to book a mammogram do not need a doctor's referral and can call their nearest centre directly. Women who have attended SMPBC screening centres in the past often comment on how quick and easy it is to have a mammogram. (Comments received in surveys and letters.)

"The woman who examined me was highly professional. She helped me feel at ease, explained each step, respected my shyness and completed the procedure quickly and skillfully. I felt welcome and comfortable and the actual examination did not hurt! I believe this was due to the caring manner and expert skills of the staff that day. Thank you for this fine service, I will certainly recommend the clinic to my friends."

The SMPBC was established in 1988 specifically to provide screening mammograms. Since that time, more than 200,000 women in the province have attended a SMPBC centre. The Program is operated by the BC Cancer Agency and funded by the Ministry of Health.