To provide early detection of breast cancer, BC Cancer Breast Screening offers free screening mammography to eligible BC participants, including transgender, gender-diverse and non-binary people, aged 40 and older.
Mammograms are x-rays of the breasts completed in privacy by a specially-trained technologist. A screening mammogram consists of four images (two of each breast) that look for hidden cancer in those who are healthy (no symptoms) and have never had breast cancer.
Anyone experiencing symptoms such as a lump or nipple discharge should prompt an immediate visit to a health care provider to determine if additional testing is necessary. Read more about
who should screen.
Screening mammograms are available for BC women 40 years and older.
- If aged 40 to 74, with a first-degree relative (mother, daughter, sister) with breast cancer: Routine screening mammogram is recommended every year. Those with a family history of breast cancer are almost two times more likely to develop breast cancer.
- If aged 40 to 49, without a family history of breast cancer: Speak with a health care provider to understand the benefits and limitations of mammography. If screening mammography is chosen, it is available every two years.
- If aged 50 to 74, without a family history of breast cancer: Routine screening mammogram is recommended every two years. In this age group, the benefits of screening mammography clearly outweigh the limitations.
- If aged 75+: It is recommended to speak with a health care provider about the benefits and limitations of mammography. If screening mammography is chosen, it is available every two to three years.
For individuals at high risk of breast cancer: Routine screening mammogram is recommended every year if aged 30 to 74 and at least one of the following applies:
- You have a very strong family history1 of breast cancer
- You are a known BRCA1 or BRCA2 carrier or other pathogenic gene variant carrier2
- You are an untested family member of a BRCA1 or BRCA 2 carrier or other pathogenic gene variant carrier2
Annual screening mammograms are also recommended for individuals aged 25–74 who have received prior thoracic radiation between the ages of 10 and 30. For more information and referral, contact a health care provider or the
Late Effects, Assessment & Follow-Up Program.
If eligible for breast screening, patients can call 1-800-663-9203 or
book online.
Location finder:
http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/screening...
604-877-6187 (Breast Screening Client Services)
Toll Free: 1-800-663-9203
Website:
http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/screening...
Wheelchair accessible.
Cost:
No cost
Referral options:
- Self-referral
- Physician or nurse practitioner referral
Details:
Self-referral if participant is over the age of 40. However, the participant must identify a primary care provider during booking (Physician, Nurse Practitioner, Naturopath, Walk-in or Virtual Clinic) who can follow-up with them if needed. Provider-referral required if participant is between ages 30-39 and is at high risk for breast cancer.
Associated Programs/Services
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Availability
Service area:
Province-wide
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Service area cities:
100 Mile House, Abbotsford, Agassiz, Aldergrove, Alert Bay, Alexis Creek, Anahim Lake, Anmore, Armstrong, Ashcroft, Atlin, Bamfield, Banff, Barriere, Bella Bella, Bella Coola, Black Creek, Blue River, Boston Bar, Bowen Island, Brentwood Bay, Burnaby, Burns Lake, Cache Creek, Calgary, Campbell River, Canmore, Castlegar, Cathedral Grove, Cawston, Chase, Chemainus, Cherryville, Chetwynd, Chilliwack, Christina Lake, Clearwater, Clinton, Cobble Hill, Comox, Coombs, Coquitlam, Cortes Island, Courtenay, Cranbrook, Crawford Bay, Creston, Cumberland, Daajing Giids, Dawson Creek, Dease Lake, Deep Bay, Delta, Denman Island, Duncan, Edgewood, Elkford, Enderby, Fanny Bay, Fernie, Fort Langley, Fort Nelson, Fort St. James, Fort St. John, Fraser Lake, Fruitvale, Gabriola Island, Galiano Island, Gibsons, Golden, Gold River, Grand Forks, Granisle, Greenwood, Hanceville, Hazelton, Hope, Hornby Island, Horne Lake, Houston, Hudson's Hope, Invermere, Kamloops, Kaslo, Kelowna, Keremeos, Kimberley, Kitimat, Kyuquot, Ladner, Ladysmith, Lake Country, Lake Cowichan, Langford, Langley, Lantzville, Lethbridge, Lillooet, Lions Bay, Logan Lake, Long Beach, Lumby, Lytton, Mackenzie, Maple Ridge, Masset, Mayne Island, McBride, Merritt, Merville, Midway, Mill Bay, Mission, Nakusp, Nanaimo, Nanoose Bay, Nelson, New Aiyansh, New Denver, New Westminster, Nitinaht, North Delta, North Saanich, North Vancouver, Okanagan Falls, Oliver, Osoyoos, Oyama, Parksville, Peachland, Pemberton, Pender Harbour, Pender Island, Penelakut Island, Penticton, Pitt Meadows, Port Alberni, Port Alice, Port Coquitlam, Port Hardy, Port McNeill, Port Moody, Powell River, Prince George, Prince Rupert, Princeton, Quadra Island, Qualicum Beach, Quathiaski Cove, Quesnel, Revelstoke, Richmond, Riske Creek, Rock Creek, Rossland, Saanich, Saanichton, Salmo, Salmon Arm, Salt Spring Island, Sardis, Saturna Island, Sayward, Scotch Creek, Sechelt, Shawnigan Lake, Sicamous, Sidney, Skidegate, Slocan, Smithers, Sointula, Sooke, Sorrento, South Surrey, Sparwood, Spences Bridge, Squamish, Stewart, Summerland, Sun Peaks, Surrey, Tahsis, Tatla Lake, Telkwa, Terrace, Tofino, Trail, Tsawwassen, Tumbler Ridge, Ucluelet, Valemount, Vancouver, Vanderhoof, Vernon, Victoria, West Kelowna, West Vancouver, Whistler, White Rock, Williams Lake, Winlaw, Witset, and Yale