Who Should Get a Mammogram?

Safe Cancer Screening

BC Cancer Breast Screening is committed to ensuring the safety of patients and health care providers during screening mammography appointments. Learn more.‎

Screening mammograms are available for BC women 40 years and older. A doctor referral is not required.

If you are age 40 to 74 with a first-degree relative (mother, daughter, sister) with breast cancer:

It is recommended that you get a mammogram every year.

Women with a family history of breast cancer are almost two times more likely to develop breast cancer. A doctor’s referral is not needed.

If you are age 40 to 49 without a family history of breast cancer:

You are encouraged to talk to your doctor about the benefits and limitations of mammography.

If screening mammography is chosen, it is available every two years. A doctor’s referral is not needed but is recommended.

If you are age 50 to 74 without a family history of breast cancer:

‎It is recommended that you get a mammogram every two years.

For women in this age group, the benefits of screening mammograms clearly outweigh the limitations. Book your appointment today. A doctor’s referral is not needed.

If you are age 75+:

You are encouraged to talk to your doctor about the benefits and limitations of mammography.

If screening mammography is chosen, it is available every two to three years. A doctor’s referral is not needed but is recommended.

If you are at high risk for breast cancer:

Screening mammograms are recommended every year for women ages 30-74 if at least one of the following applies to them:

They are a BRCA1 or BCRA2 carrier;
They are an untested first degree relative of BRCA1 or BRCA 2 carrier;
Have a very strong family history¹ of breast cancer; or,
Have had prior chest wall radiation.

Please speak with your doctor for more information and referral.

¹(a) 2 cases of breast cancer in close female relatives (mother, sister, daughter, aunt, grandmother, or great-aunt) on the same side of the family, both diagnosed before age 50, or (b) 3 or more cases of breast cancer in close female relatives (mother, sister, daughter, aunt, grandmother, or great-aunt) on the same side of the family, with at least one diagnosed before age 50.

Women are not eligible for a screening mammogram if they:

Have breast implants (see your doctor to arrange a mammogram).
Are pregnant or breastfeeding (you can use the breast screening program three months after completely finishing breastfeeding; see your doctor immediately if you experience any new problems).
Have a previous history of breast cancer.
Have any new breast complaints such as a lump or nipple discharge (see your doctor immediately if you experience any new problems).
Have had a mammogram on both breasts in the last 12 months (you must wait at least one year before having another screening mammogram).

Your questions

What should I do if I've had mantle radiation for Hodgkin lymphoma?

BC Cancer Breast Screening recommends additional breast cancer screening for all women who have received mantle radiation treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma. Evidence indicates that women who have received mantle radiotherapy treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma have a significantly increased risk of breast cancer compared to other women of the

same age. This increased risk begins about 10 years after treatment and increases over time.

Recent research recommends that the optimal screening for women who received mantle radiation for Hodgkin Lymphoma is an annual digital mammogram and a breast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Therefore, the BC Cancer Breast Screening recommends that women who have received mantle radiation for Hodgkin lymphoma follow this screening

routine:

A breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exam every year starting at age 30 or 10 years after radiation treatment until the age of 65.
A screening mammogram (breast x‐ray) every year starting at age 30 or 10 years after radiation treatment until the age of 74.

For more information on breast cancer screening for women who received mantle radiation for Hodgkin lymphoma please see the Patient Fact Sheet.

Can I participate in the BC Cancer Breast Screening program if I have breast implants?

Mammograms are available to women with breast implants. The difference is that a woman with implants cannot participate in the BC Cancer Breast Screening program but instead will have a diagnostic mammogram which requires a doctor’s referral. A diagnostic mammogram allows for the extra time and techniques needed to ensure that the entire breast tissue is visible. Please speak to your doctor for more information.

What happens if I notice a lump in my breast?

If you notice any new changes in your breast such as a lump or nipple discharge, see your doctor immediately. Your doctor will help you determine if further testing is required.

If your doctor decides that you need testing, you will be booked for an appointment at a diagnostic imaging office and you will be seen very quickly. This process is different than regular breast screening, which is done with women who have no breast concerns or symptoms.

What happens if I have to wait a month or two for a screening mammogram?

Screening mammograms are for women with no breast problems and are not considered urgent care. With 39 centres and 3 mobile services available in the province, most centres’ wait-times are within a 6 week time frame. From time to time, some centres will become busier resulting in slightly longer wait times.

If you are unable to have a screening mammogram appointment at an SMP centre or mobile service within 2 months with a travel time to the facility/service within 1 hour, contact your primary care provider. Your primary care provider can book a screening mammogram at any diagnostic facility and it will be billed to the Medical Services Plan of BC.

Will BC Cancer Breast Screening remind me when it's time to return for a screening mammogram?

A reminder is sent in the mail when it's time to return. When you receive your reminder, be sure to book your next appointment. Also, make sure we have the most up to date address information for you. To update your contact information, call us at 1-800-663-9203 or send us an email.

Can I have a thermography exam instead of a screening mammogram?

Thermography isn't recommended for a population-based screening program such as BC Cancer Breast Screening as there is no evidence to support the use of thermography as a screening tool for breast cancer. Thermal imaging equipment is not approved for breast screening by Health Canada. For more information, click here.

Thermography has a high false-positive rate which could lead to unnecessary tests. It can also miss abnormalities that can be detected through a screening mammogram. For these reasons, BC Cancer recommends against thermography as a replacement for screening mammography - a position shared by many prominent health organizations across North America.

A recent statement on thermography from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) warning against the use of thermography to detect, diagnose or screen for breast cancer can be found here.

Provincial Health Services Authority

BC Cancer Screening