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Breast cancer screening coming to Maskwacis, Wetaskiwin

As a major breast cancer screening service is coming right into Maskwacis and Wetaskiwin there’s no excuse to go untested.

The threat of breast cancer is a serious threat to women and some men, and prevention is the cure. As a major breast cancer screening service is coming right into Maskwacis and Wetaskiwin there’s no excuse to go untested.

Here is some sound advice courtesy of Alberta Health Services:

What are my chances of getting breast cancer?

One in eight Albertan women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. The main risk factors for breast cancer are: Being female (men can develop breast cancer too, but it is rare); More than 75 per cent of women diagnosed with breast cancer are 50 years or older; Having a mother, sister, or a daughter diagnosed with breast cancer increases a woman’s risk of breast cancer (however, 80 per cent of women who develop breast cancer have no family history); Previous diagnosis of breast cancer.

Breast Screening Life Plan

If you’re younger than 40: Get to know how your breasts look and feel; See your doctor regularly for a periodic health exam.

If you’re 40-49: Talk to your health care provider about your breast cancer risk and the risks and benefits of screening mammograms; a referral is needed for your first mammogram; Get an annual physical breast exam from your health care provider; Check your breasts regularly for unusual changes.

If you’re 50-74: Get regular screening mammograms at least every two years; Get a physical breast exam from you health care provider regularly; Check your breasts regularly for unusual changes.

If you’re 75 or older: Talk to your health care provider about continuing mammograms; Get an annual physical breast exam from your health care provider; Check your breasts regularly for unusual changes.

Why should I get a screening mammogram?

A screening mammogram is a special X-ray of your breast. Once you’re over 50, it is the most effective way to find breast cancer early. Screening mammograms can detect breast cancer when it is very small, two to three years before you or your physician can feel it. The earlier breast cancer is found the more effective treatment can be.

Screen Test is a mammography service within Alberta Health Services. Screen Test provides screening mammograms at two permanent clinics, one in Edmonton and one in Calgary. Screen Test has two mobile screening trailers that provide services to women in approximately 100 communities in rural Alberta. Screen Test provides high quality screening mammography and breast health education, and has consistently exceeded international standards for the early detection of breast cancer.

Is it time for your mammogram?

Screen Test will be in Wetaskiwin on August 21 – 29 and in Maskwacis on August 31 – September 2, 2015. Call 1-800-667-0604 (toll free) today for your appointment.