Screening mammograms are available to most women and many Two-Spirit, trans and non-binary people aged 40 and older who do not have breast symptoms.
1Find a Breast Screening Centre
Use the
clinic locator to find a breast screening centre in your community.
2Book your appointment
If this is your first mammogram, call your local breast screening centre using the number listed in the
clinic locator. You can also call the Screening Programs Client Services Centre at:
- 1-800-663-9203 (toll-free in BC)
- 604-877-6187 (outside BC)
When you book, please have:
- Your BC Services Card or CareCard
- The name of your primary care provider
Examples of primary care providers include:
- Family doctor
- Nurse practitioner
- Walk-in clinic or virtual clinic where you are registered and receive care
A primary care provider is required for breast screening. They can discuss the benefits and limitations of screening, order additional tests if needed, and follow up on your results.
Sign up for
Health Gateway before your mammogram to view your screening results online.
Normal results are not mailed, so Health Gateway is the easiest way to access them. You can also contact your health care provider or
BC Cancer Breast Screening for your results.
Health Gateway can send you email or text notifications when:
- A new screening letter is available
- Follow-up is needed
- It is time to book your next screening mammogram
You can still access breast screening.
Call the Screening Programs Client Services Centre at 1-800-663-9203 to connect with a participating clinic.
If you live in Prince George, you can also call the University Hospital of Northern BC Breast Screening Centre at 250-645-6654.
The following clinics support people who live within 30km of the city centre and who do not currently have a primary care provider:
- Avee Health (Virtual Clinic)
You must register with Avee Health before booking your mammogram
The clinics listed on this page have volunteered to support breast screening participants who do not have a primary care provider. Their inclusion does not represent an endorsement by BC Cancer. Contact the clinics directly for more information.
You can:
A health service navigator can help you:
- Find a family doctor accepting new patients
- Access walk-in clinics
- Find a nurse practitioner in your community
When booking your mammogram, you may provide the name of a naturopath.
A naturopath can receive your screening mammogram results and, if additional testing is needed, help connect you with a local provider for follow-up care.
Phone service availability
The BC Cancer Screening Programs Client Services Centre is open:
- Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Saturday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
If you cannot reach us during business hours, leave a voicemail with:
- Your name
- Your phone number
- The best time to return your call
We will return your call as soon as possible.
If you received a reminder letter, you can also book online using the booking code in the letter.
Program funding
BC Cancer Breast Screening is funded by the Province of British Columbia and delivered by BC Cancer, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA).
How we use your information
BC Cancer collects statistics to monitor program performance and improve knowledge about breast disease.
Personal information is collected under the
Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA).
As permitted by law, we may collect information from your primary care provider or other organizations. This may include copies of medical records, test results or information needed to confirm your identity and personal health number.
We may use your information to:
-
Identify you and communicate with you about your care
- Provide health services
-
Monitor service quality and breast cancer trends in BC
-
Support education and training
-
Conduct research as permitted under FIPPA
We will not disclose your identity without your consent unless required by law, such as through a court order or subpoena.
We take reasonable steps to keep your personal information confidential and secure.
To access or request personal information held by BC Cancer, contact:
BC Cancer Breast Screening
8th Floor, 686 West Broadway
Vancouver, BC V5Z 1G1
Tel: 1-800-663-9203 (toll-free)
Fax: 604-660-3645
Email: screening@bccancer.bc.ca
What should I do if I have symptoms?
If you notice any new changes in your breast such as a lump or nipple discharge, see your primary care provider immediately.
Your primary care provider will help you determine if further testing is required.
If your primary care provider 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.