Those with disabilities are just as likely to get breast cancer as those without disabilities. If you are eligible, regular breast screening should be an important part of your preventative health routine.
BC Cancer Breast Screening is committed to ensuring screening mammography is accessible to those eligible for breast screening in BC. Screening takes place in a variety of places, including hospitals, clinics, and our mobile screening unit. If you have accessibility needs, please let us know when calling to book your appointment at your preferred location. This will allow us to book the correct amount of time for your appointment and ensure that your needs can be met.
In general, breast screening with BC Cancer Breast Screening's mammography equipment can be completed in a sitting position while in a manual or powered wheelchair. Please inform us when booking your appointment if you require assistance transferring from a scooter to a wheelchair, sitting upright, or positioning your arms. You are welcome to have someone accompany you to provide physical assistance during your screening appointment. Certified assistance dogs are welcome at all breast screening centres.
Please note that due to limitations of the mammography equipment, positioning you for good images may not be possible. If this is the case, please speak to your health care provider about your screening options.
You are also encouraged to prepare for your mammogram by:
- Wearing a two-piece outfit with a top that opens in the front. You will be asked to undress from the waist up.
- Avoiding wearing deodorant, powder, creams, or lotions on the day of your appointment. These products may leave a residue that can make it hard to read your mammogram.
- Trying to schedule your mammogram appointment when your breasts are least sensitive (within 10 days of your last period).
- We strive for a scent-free environment, so please do not wear perfume.
BC Cancer Breast Screening's
mobile screening unit is equipped with a wheelchair lift to assist those with mobility needs. The wheelchair lift’s maximum weight limitation is 500 lbs and has a width restriction of 29 inches. The wheelchair lift can support a manual wheelchair user; those using scooters or powered wheelchairs will be required to transfer to the mobile screening unit's manual wheelchair on their own or with the help of an accompanying person that can provide physical assistance. Please note that the mobile unit is unable to store scooters or powered wheelchairs while you are attending your screening appointment.
Watch to see how the wheelchair lift works on our mobile screening unit:
