The name of the campaign has changed more than once over the years, but the goal remains the same. On Wednesday, May 3rd, 8 Ontario Breast Screening Program locations across the North East will set aside a day to screen 350 women between the ages of 50 and 74 years of age who have never been screened for breast cancer in what is now known as "Mammothon".
Breast cancer continues to be the most common cancer diagnosed in Canadian women and the second leading cause of cancer deaths, after lung cancer. However, fewer Canadian women are dying from breast cancer today than in the past. Breast cancer deaths have decreased by more than 40 percent due to earlier detection through breast screening and improved treatments.
“The mammogram is the best screening test for breast cancer. Mammograms are used to check for breast cancer in women who have no signs or symptoms of the disease. That’s why it’s so important for eligible women to participate in regular screening”, says Nicole Gauthier, Regional Coordinator, Cancer Screening Promotion and Engagement. “Cancer found at an early stage, when it is small and before ithas spread is more likely to be treated successfully. Most women know having a mammogram is important, and Mammathon helps make getting screened a bit easier.”
Mammothon aims to address common barriers to breast screening through information, education, extended screening hours and walk-in appointments. “If you are a woman between the ages of 50 and 74 and haven’t had a mammogram yet, there is no reason to put it off”,says Bev Brisco, a long-time community volunteer, breast screening advocate and volunteer driver for the Ontario Breast Screening Program shuttle van service in Greater Sudbury. “During Mammothon you can walk right in without an appointment. We know women have busy lives but you can take care of your family and other commitments by taking care of your breast health. Check mammogram off your to-do list!”
Mammothon hours will vary from community to community. For a complete list of participating sites visit hsnsudbury.ca/events.
For more information about the Ontario Breast Screening Program and the benefits of early detection visit http://www.hsnsudbury.ca/portalen/rcp/Breast-Screening.
Participating Sites and Contact Information
North Bay - North Bay Regional Health Centre
50 College Drive, North Bay, ON P1B 0A4
Mammothon Hours: 7am-7pm
Contact: 705-495-7930
Sturgeon Falls - West Nipissing General Hospital
725 Coursol Road, Sturgeon Falls, ON P2B 2Y6
Mammothon Hours: 8am-5:30pm
Contact: 1 800-668-9304
