Julie Grant knew she was overdue for a mammogram. “I had not had one in two years,” says Grant. “I’d been putting it off not because I didn’t want to go, but I just couldn’t find the time to make an appointment.”
When Grant heard about the Ontario Breast Screening Program’s (OBSP) Mammothon Breast Screening Challenge she knew it was the perfect opportunity to get checked.
Mammothon is a one day breast screening challenge to encourage as many women as possible to get up-to-date on their breast screening by booking and completing a mammogram. The regional campaign helps address common barriers women experience towards regular cancer screening including fear, embarrassment, limited time, and lack of awareness.
Last year, Grant was one of 835 women to get screened across the province in one day (67 of which were screened inNorth Bay). “Mammothon made getting checked very convenient,” she explains. “I didn’t need to be referred by a doctor or wait for weeks to schedule an appointment. I was able to walk right in to the hospital and get screened!”
Wednesday, May 4 is the perfect time for women ages 50 – 74 to make their health a priority, as the North Bay Regional Health Centre is hosting its annual Mammothon Breast Screening Challenge again from 7 am – 7 pm.
The goal of breast screening is to detect breast cancer at an early stage before symptoms appear, when it can be most effectively treated.
“Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Canadian women, with one in nine women expected to be diagnosed with it in their lifetime,” explains Sue Lebeau, Director of Quality and Clinical Support at the NBRHC. “We know that many women over the age of 50 are still putting off their mammogram, and we want to encourage all overdue or never-screened women in our community to make the time, take action, and book their mammogram.”
Grant reflects back on her Mammothon experience positively. “The OBSP staff were so warm and welcoming, and mymammogram was quick, easy and painless,” Grant says.
No doctor referral is required but women must be symptom free. Parking is free for this event.
For more information about the Mammothon Breast Screening Challenge at the North Bay Regional Health Centre, call705-495-7930.
