News Feature                                                          For Immediate Release

                                                                                                              October 19, 2006

Breast Screening Saves Lives:  One Woman’s Story

Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) – Committed to the well-being of clients and the provision of quality care

Deb French just couldn’t leave following her breast screening appointment without telling someone how good she felt!

There are so many concerns about health care today, but she has only good things to say about the Ontario Breast Screening Program. This was her second visit to the screening center and each time she has been impressed with the care she received. “I feel so comfortable when I come here. I am treated kindly and the atmosphere is very nice. I feel like I can ask questions and when I do, they are quickly answered by experienced, professional staff,” said French.

Deb’s story is not unusual. She is sharing the common experience of women who take advantage of a screening program committed to their well-being and the provision of quality care.

Breast screening does save lives! Between 1989 and 2002, breast cancer mortality rates in Ontario women aged 50-69 decreased by 29%. This decrease is a result of increased participation in breast screening and improved cancer treatments. Mammography remains the most effective method of early detection of breast cancer – it can find small breast cancers up to three years before they can be felt. Finding a breast cancer while still small offers a greater chance the disease has not spread. That can mean easier and more successful treatment.

A mammogram is not a perfect test though. It finds eight out of ten cancers. For this reason, regular screening is important. Some breast cancers, not seen on a mammogram, can be found with a clinical breast examination performed by a specially trained nurse or physician. At most OBSP sites, women receive both – high quality mammography plus a physical breast exam performed by a specially trained nurse.

There are 28 OBSP sites in Southwestern Ontario – two in Grey Bruce. There is a site in Owen Sound at the Grey Bruce Health Services, call 519-376-8637 or South Bruce Grey Health Centre, Walkerton, call 519-881-4030. Women do not need a doctor's referral but can call themselves. If you are a woman, age 50 or over, call today for your appointment. As Deb says, “Take a few minutes to take care of yourself. Not only will you be treated well and feel good about doing this, so will all the people who love and care about you.”

Breast cancer cannot be 100% prevented BUT EARLY DETECTION DOES SAVE LIVES!

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Attachments:

Ontario Breast Screening Program Backgrounder 2006

For more information:

Karen Croker

Public Health Nurse

Chronic Disease Prevention

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 413