Beginning today, women in the East Kootenay region between the ages of 40 and 79 will be able to obtain a screening mammogram at East Kootenay Regional Hospital, without a doctor’s referral.
Interior Health’s East Kootenay Regional Hospital in Cranbrook is the latest Centre to join the BC Cancer Agency’s Screening Mammography Program (SMP). Women can just call a toll-free number: 1-800-663-9203 to book an appointment. Previously, SMP services were provided to the region through the mobile van. When the mobile van was not in the area, women needed to have doctors’ referrals to obtain screening mammograms at the hospital.
“Mammograms save lives and our government is committed to providing free screening mammograms to women across the province,” said East Kootenay MLA Bill Bennett. “We’re pleased, through this centre, to make it easier for women living here to access this vital service.”
“The best way to detect breast cancer early is having regular screening mammograms,” says Dr. Andy Coldman, BC Cancer Agency Vice President of Population Oncology. “Early detection means women will have more treatment options and a better chance to recover.”
Chief Screener for the East Kootenay Regional Hospital, Dr. Daryn Maisonneuve notes, “SMP will give women year-round access to screening mammograms without the need to see their doctor first. We hope with easier access more women will take advantage of the Program and regularly obtain screening mammograms.”
The East Kootenay Regional Hospital is located in Cranbrook and provides services to residents of the East Kootenay Health Service Area.
Quick Stats about SMP
- Beginning in 1988, SMP was the first provincial program of its kind in Canada
- Last year, SMP screened about 270,000 women
- In BC, regular screening mammograms have shown to reduce the death rate from breast cancer by 24%
- The SMP’s cancer detection rates have consistently exceeded the Canadian Breast Screening targets
Quick Facts About Screening Mammograms
- Screening mammograms find most types of breast cancer early – when treatment options are better and full recovery more likely
- Age is the highest risk factor for breast cancer in women
- An appointment takes about 15 minutes
Visit: www.smpbc.ca for more information.
The BC Cancer Agency, an Agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority, is committed to reducing the incidence of cancer, reducing the mortality from cancer, and improving the quality of life of those living with cancer. It provides a comprehensive cancer control program for the people of British Columbia by working 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 Foundation raises funds to support research and enhancements to patient care at the BC Cancer Agency.
Contact BC Cancer Agency:
Ann MacDonald
Tel: 604.707.5927
E-mail: amacdonald4@bccancer.bc.ca
Local Contact:
Jennifer Henkes
Tel: 250-420-2404
E-mail: Jennifer.Henkes@interiorhealth.ca