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home > Programs & Services > Programs
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 Algoma Breast Health Program/Ontario Breast Screening Program
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"When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I made my way through the system easily and quickly. From the time I went for a routine mammogram to the time I received my diagnosis, it took less than a few weeks. This system really is patient-focused." - Ghislaine Books, a former breast cancer patient and an X-ray Technician at Matthews Memorial Hospital (from Summer 2003 Hospital Perspectives story entitled, "Patient-Focused Breast Health Program Reduces Time to Diagnosis")
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Algoma Breast Health Program/Ontario Breast Screening Program:
Appointments: 705.759.5657 or 1.888.240.3903
Fax: 705.759.5582
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm
Availability: This program is open to the general public.
Group Health Centre, the Sault Area Hospital and the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) are partners in a unique community-based program that has reduced the time to diagnose breast diseases including cancer.
Our Diagnostic Imaging Department is the site for the Algoma Breast Health Program (ABHP), a community based, comprehensive program that provides complete breast health care for residents of the Algoma District.
Patients visiting ABHP/OBSP are asked to:
~ bring their Ontario Health Card/Hospital card.
~ wear a two piece outfit and
~ not wear any deodorants, creams, powders or perfumes.
How To Access This Program
OBSP appointments are available by provider or self-referral. All other mammography appointments require provider referrals.
More About Breast Cancer
Early detection is the single, greatest weapon against breast cancer, which is the most common cancer among women. In fact, a woman has 1 in 9 chances of developing breast cancer during her lifetime.
Breast cancer tends to occur at an earlier age than do other cancers or heart attacks and strokes! People who are substantially overweight have shown a higher risk of developing breast cancer, as have women who have their first full term pregnancy after the age of 35.
What causes it?
A woman's breast is made up of milk glands and milk ducts, surrounded by fatty tissue and connective supports. Uncontrolled growth of cells in any of these breast tissues can cause breast cancer.
Breast cancer can also occur in men, however 100 times less frequently than in women.
Be Proactive
Early detection of breast cancer minimizes the likelihood that the disease has spread, and can make a big difference in treating the disease.
~all women should perform monthly, breast examinations. Your health care provider can show you the correct way to do this. Report any changes in your breasts to your health care provider.
~ starting at age 50, women should have a mammogram and physical examination every two years.
~ treatment depends on individual circumstances such as the rate of growth, how it responds to treatment, and whether or not it has spread.
Practice Good Breast Health
Breast cancer can't be prevented however; there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of getting it:
~ eat a healthy, low-fat diet with lots of fruits and vegetables
~ exercise regularly. This is especially important in young women and can reduce the risk of developing the disease later in life.
~ reduce your alcohol intake. |
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