Breast Screening Mammography Program
Cancer Care
Provided by BC Cancer
To provide early detection of breast cancer, BC Cancer Breast Screening offers free screening mammography to eligible BC participants, including most women and many Two-Spirit, transgender 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 to most women and many Two-Spirit, transgender and non-binary people ages 40 and older.
- If aged 40 to 74, with a first-degree relative (mother, child, full sibling) 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: cancer: Speak with a health care provider to understand the benefits and limitations of mammography. You can also use our decision aid to help you choose what’s right for you or to start a conversation with a health care provider. 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+: Speak with a health care provider about if screening is right for you. You can also use our decision aid to help you choose or start a conversation with a health care provider. If screening mammography is chosen, you can get screened based on your risk level. If screening mammography is chosen, you can get screened based on your risk level (every year or every two 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 (have two biological relatives [parent, child, sibling, grandparent, aunt, uncle, great-aunt, great-uncle] on the same side of the family diagnosed with breast cancer before age 50)
- You are a known BRCA1 or BRCA2 carrier or other pathogenic gene variant carrier (CDH1, NF1, PALB2, STK11 or others identified by the Hereditary Cancer Program).
- You are an untested family member of a BRCA1 or BRCA 2 carrier or other pathogenic gene variant carrier (CDH1, NF1, PALB2, STK11 or others identified by the Hereditary Cancer Program).
An initial referral is required for patients aged 30 to 39. Please speak with your health care provider or the Hereditary Cancer Program (HCP).
Annual screening mammograms are also recommended for individuals starting at age 25 who have received prior thoracic radiation between the ages of 10 and 30 with Initial referral required from the Late Effects, Assessment & Follow-Up Clinic.
If eligible for breast screening, patients can call 1-800-663-9203 or use the number listed on the clinic locator to call their local breast screening centre directly. Returning participants can also or book online using the code in their reminder letter.
Mobile Mammography Service: BC Cancer Breast Screening has three digital mammography coaches that travel to rural and remote communities in BC. Patients looking for the mobile mammography unit can use the clinic locator to check for upcoming stops.
Location finder: http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/screening...
604-877-6187 (Breast Screening Client Services)
Toll Free: 1-800-663-9203
Public email: screening@bccancer.bc.ca
Website: http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/screening...
Wheelchair accessible.
Cost: No cost
Referral options:
- Self-referral
- Family 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.
Brochures and Info
- Breast Cancer - Breast Screening Program Fact Sheet (BC Cancer)
- Breast Cancer - Breast Screening Tear-Off Pad (BC Cancer)
- Breast Cancer - Patient Decision Aid: Should I Start Getting Screening Mammograms in My 40s? (BC Cancer)
- Breast Cancer - Patient Decision Aid: Should I Get Screening Mammograms If I’m 75 or Older? (BC Cancer)
- Breast Cancer - Fact Sheet: Supporting Patients Aged 75 and Older with Breast Screening Decision-Making (BC Cancer)
- Cancer Screening in 2SLGBTQI+ Communities (BC Cancer)
Associated Programs/Services
Also offered by BC Cancer:
Just the closest matches listed. Click to see more!- Find a Pap Clinic
- Supportive Cancer Care Program
- Victoria Oncology Intimacy & Sexual Health (VOIS) Clinic
Availability
Service area: Province-wide + show cities
Service Types Provided
Ways to Access
- Mobile Services
- Provided 1:1 in-person
- Provided at multiple locations
The listing of this service in Pathways is not a recommendation or endorsement by Pathways.