SELF-REFERRAL FOR SCREENING MAMMOGRAM

Survival rates for breast cancer have been increasing since the 1980s, thanks to earlier detection from regular mammogram screening and improvements in breast cancer treatments. Early detection of breast cancer may mean less treatment, more treatment options, and less time spent recovering.

Mammograms can identify breast cancer before symptoms develop, leading to smaller, more easily treatable cancers that may not require extensive treatments like chemotherapy or radiation.

WHY IS REGULAR MAMMOGRAPHY SCREENING IMPORTANT?

Having a mammogram every year, or every two years (based on your risk factors), makes it easier for a radiologist to compare your images and see changes or areas of concern. If you wait until you have symptoms, the breast cancer might be more advanced requiring more extensive and invasive treatment.

Once the images have been taken in a mammogram, one of our radiologists will look over them very carefully to check for possible abnormalities or changes compared to previous images. Mammograms are the best way to detect breast cancer in its early, most treatable stage, because it provides a detailed look at the internal structure of breast tissue and can reveal changes that are too small to feel.

WHEN SHOULD I START HAVING A MAMMOGRAM?

All women should  consider having a mammogram.  You can start having annual mammograms at age 40 per Alberta Health Care guidelines and coverage. To get a mammogram, you should discuss your family history, when to start screening, and how frequently you should be screened with your doctor.

Mayfair Diagnostics recommends screening mammography every year from age 40 to 49, then every two years between age 50 and 75, if there are no risks factors that would necessitate a shorter interval. After age 75, screening frequency will depend on several factors, including your medical history.

SELF-REFERRAL ELIGIBILITY:
In certain circumstances women can self-refer for their yearly or bi-yearly mammograms. You can call to book an appointment without needing to have a requisition from your doctor. You must meet the following requirements to self-refer for a mammogram:

• Your mammogram must be screening only. You can NOT have any new concerns, such as lumps, pain, redness, etc.
• You must have a valid Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan number.
• You cannot have had a breast cancer diagnosis.
• You cannot have had surgery or biopsy to the breast within the last three years (prior to booking your appointment).

AGE REQUIREMENTS:

Women age 40-44 – you must have had one previous mammogram referred by a doctor in Alberta.

Women age 45-74 – you do NOT need to have had a previous mammogram referred by a doctor in Alberta.

Women age 75+ – you must have had one previous mammogram referred by a doctor in Alberta.

Women under age 40 – you can NOT self refer.

OWN YOUR OWN HEALTH

For information about the Alberta Health Services breast screening program, please visit the Screening for Life website.

Or visit Mayfair Diagnostics at radiology.ca/breast-health.

REFERENCES:

Alberta Health Services Breast Cancer Screening Programs (2021) “Breast Cancer Screening.” www.screeningforlife.ca. Accessed December 18, 2023.

Canadian Cancer Society (2023) “Breast cancer statistics.” www.cancer.ca. Accessed December 18, 2023.