Local women can access a mobile mammography clinic right now in Airdrie's surrounding area.

Right now, the mammography clinic is stationed in Olds and will be there until February 21. Last month the clinic was in Didsbury.

Once the clinic leaves Olds, the closest it will be to Airdrie is Strathmore where it will be stationed for a few days in April, from April 18-20. As of right now, the clinic is only booked up through April, so it could come back to the local area anytime from May to December.

According to Alberta Health Services (AHS), the mobile mammography service provides service to 120 communities including 28 Indigenous communities for thousands of women in Alberta communities where mammography is not readily available.

Getting a mammogram is strongly advised for women aged 45-74, as this screening can detect tumours before any symptoms arise.

These are the guidelines for getting screened according to AHS:

  • Women younger than 40: The risk of breast cancer at this age is low. Generally, screening mammograms aren’t needed before the age of 40. Talk to your healthcare provider if you’re concerned about your risk of breast cancer.
  • Women 40 to 44: It’s less clear that the benefits of mammograms outweigh the risks for women in this age group. Talk to your healthcare provider about your breast cancer risk and your need for mammograms. A referral is needed to book an appointment.
  • Women 45 to 74: Breast cancer screening is proven to have the most benefit within this age range. Have a mammogram every two years or as decided by you and your healthcare provider. You do not need a referral to book a screening mammogram.
  • Women 75 and older: The benefits of continuing to screen once you turn 75 depend on your health (how healthy you are overall). Talk to your healthcare provider about whether or not continuing to have mammograms is right for you. A referral is needed to book an appointment.

The survival rate for breast cancer has reached 89 percent, thanks in part to early detection through mammograms.

Screen Test is an integral component of the Alberta Breast Cancer Screening Program within AHS, holding accreditation from both the Canadian Association of Radiologists-Mammography Accreditation Program and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta.

To book an appointment and learn more, click HERE.

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