Program Description
Due to many barriers, many women in Northwestern Ontario have never been screened or are not screened regularly. Early detection of female breast cancer and cervical cancer are key in successful diagnosis and treatment of these diseases. Regular screening helps detect cancer early, while tumors are small and before they have a chance to spread. The Northwestern Health Unit partners with the Northwestern Ontario Breast Screening Program to recruit women to the breast screening (mammography) mobile vans.
Ontario Breast Screening Schedule 2010
Did You Know?
- As of October 2004, there were 101 breast-screening sites across Ontario.
- For every 100 women screened at OBSP, 11 are referred for further testing and 1 out of these 11 will have breast cancer.
- The death rate from breast cancer in Ontario is decreasing. Between 1989 and 2002 the mortality rate decreased 29% in women age 50-69. The decline is due to both screening and improved treatments.
- According to report by the National Cancer Institute of Canada, cancer of the cervix was the second most frequently diagnosed cancer in Northern Ontario women between the ages of 20-44 years. More than 550 Ontario women develop and 160 women die from cervical cancer.
- Cervical cancer is preventable through early detection by pap tests.
Community Partners and Partnerships
PARTNERS Northwestern Health Unit staff promote and support these community-based programs to ensure breast and cervical cancer screening programs are available in the Kenora and Rainy River Districts on a regular basis.
Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) The Ontario Breast Screening Program is a community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is the eradication of cancer and enhancement of the quality of lives of people living with cancer. The OBSP delivers high quality breast screening to Ontario women between the ages of 50 and 74.
Northwestern Ontario Breast Screening Program Breast screening is available to women in Northwestern Ontario through the services of a mobile Breast Screening Coach. This mobile Breast Screening Coach travels March through November.
Ontario Cervical Screening Program The Ontario Cervical Screening Program helps to raise awareness about the value of early detection of cervical cancer through regular pap tests. It provides education, communication and recruitment of women, in particular women not currently being screened.
PARTNERSHIPS Northwestern Health Unit staff participate in partnerships with other agencies and members of the community to provide support and educational sessions on breast health, cervical cancer, and prostatic and testicular cancer to men, women, volunteers and family members including hard to reach groups.
Ontario Breast Screening Advisory Committee Regional: Prevention and screening in Northwestern Region.
Local: NWHU EDC Planning Team.
The purpose is to link with representatives from Thunder Bay District Health Unit and NWHU two or three times a years for program planning.
Membership consists of representatives from various professional and community agencies including the First Nation Inuit Health Branch, Public Health Nurses, physicians, and consumers.
Rainy River District Breast Health Network The purpose of the Rainy River District Breast Health Network is to increase breast health awareness within the district and offer support to those living with breast cancer. Members include: Representatives from Northwestern Health Unit, Canadian Cancer Society, Riverside Health Care Facilities (Breast Health Program), Gizhewaadiziwin Health Access Centre and other health care professionals (including retired nurses).
Dryden Breast Cancer Support Group The Dryden Breast Cancer Support Group is a group of women, formed in the early 80s, who offer support to those whose lives have been affected by breast cancer. Activities include monthly meetings, participation in Annual Luncheon of Hope, and co-presentations to womens groups and high school students.
Breast Health Services: | Dryden | Diagnostic Mammograms at Dryden District Hospital by physicians referral only. |
| Fort Frances | Dedicated Mammography site at Riverside Hospital for diagnostic or screening on Thursdays by appointment. |
| Kenora | Diagnostic Mammograms at Lake of the Woods District Hospital by physicians referral only. |