February 2, 2023 – Happy-Valley-Goose Bay, NL: Labrador Grenfell-Health and Eastern Health officially opened a satellite breast screening centre located at the Labrador Health Centre in Happy Valley-Goose Bay today, as part of the Provincial Breast Screening Program. Three other breast screening sites operate in St. John’s, Gander, and Corner Brook.
A screening mammogram is an x-ray of the breast for women without breast symptoms, and is able to detect changes years before they can be felt. A screening mammogram is the best available tool for early detection of breast cancer. The most important risk factors for breast cancer are increasing age and being female. At least 80% of women with this disease have no family history.
The Breast Screening Program for Newfoundland and Labrador offers screening mammograms for women aged 50-74. This is a no-fee, self-referral service. Eligible individuals can book an appointment at 1 800.414.3443.
The Screening Program may not be right for you if you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, have breast implants, have breast problems, have had a mammogram in less than one year, or decided that screening is not for you after weighing the benefits and harms. Talk to your health care practitioner to help you make an informed decision.
Women under 50 and over the age of 74 should discuss screening guidelines with their health care practitioner.
Provincial Breast Screening Program
https://cancercare.easternhealth.ca/prevention-and-screening/breast-screening-program/
Call 1 800.414.3443 or 709.897.3116 to speak to a screening navigator.
“Participation in breast screening can help with the early detection of breast cancer. Eastern Health’s Cancer Care Program is pleased to work with Labrador Grenfell-Health in expanding services to benefit patients.”
Dr. Nancy Wadden, Medical Director, Breast Screening Program for Newfoundland and Labrador
“Improving access to health services is one of Labrador-Grenfell Health’s strategic priorities, and access was highlighted by Health Accord NL as a factor in health and health outcomes. Bringing this important health screening tool closer to home will make this health choice an easier one for many living in the Labrador area of our health region.”
Heather Brown, President and CEO, Labrador-Grenfell Health
This satellite breast screening centre located at the Labrador Health Centre is a pilot project in partnership with the Provincial Cancer Care Program. Staff from Labrador Grenfell-Health will perform mammograms at the site, and the data will help the screening staff from Eastern Health navigate cancer screening clients in a timely and efficient manner.
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