Screening Service Marks Milestone
BC Cancer Agency program finds more than 3,000 previously undetected cancers

PRINCE GEORGE – When 52-year-old Faye Walker entered the Prince George office of the Screening Mammography Program of BC (SMPBC) for a routine test for breast cancer recently, little did she know she was making history. Walker was the recipient of the program’s one millionth screening mammogram, an X-ray of the breast used to detect breast cancer in healthy women.

“Screening mammography is an effective way to find breast cancer early,” says the SMPBC medical leader Dr. Ivo Olivotto. “In general, women who attend the program and who are found to have cancer require less aggressive treatment and have a better chance of survival free of breast cancer.”

Since the SMPBC began in 1988, more than 35,000 women across B.C. have participated. Olivotto says although the program has saved many lives, less than half of women between 50 and 74 years old – the age group that benefits most from screening – are participating. “It’s time more women took advantage of the service.”

“We’re celebrating our millionth screen because we want more women to participate,” says Shelagh Ottensen, head technologist at the Prince George screening center. “I urge you to take the time to take care of yourself. Make an appointment.”

SMPBC is a program of the BC Cancer Agency and is funded by the Ministry of Health. Women can access the services in over 100 communities across the province through 26 fixed sites and four mobile vans. To arrange for a screening appointment, please call the provincial toll-free line 1-800-663-9203 or (250) 565-6816 in Prince George.

The BC Cancer Agency provides a comprehensive cancer control program for the people of British Columbia. The Agency works closely with community partners to deliver a range of oncology services, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, research, education, supportive care, rehabilitation and palliative care. The BC Cancer Research Centre conducts research into the causes and cures for cancer. The BC Cancer Foundation has a mandate to raise funds to support the work of the Agency and the Research Centre.

Contacts: Nicola Carmichael at (250) 563-0635 in Prince George or Annabel Bruce, Public Relations, at (604) 877-6098 extension 2076 in Vancouver.