|
As part of the slow, staggered resumption of non-urgent outpatient services, the Diagnostic Imaging department at the Deep River and District Hospital (DRDH) has resumed mammography services and the Ontario Breast Screening Program, in time to celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October.
Women may be choosing to postpone their routine mammograms during the current pandemic to avoid potential exposure to
COVID-19, but it is important to know that when it comes to breast cancer screenings, staying home has its risks as well. Breast cancer can be impossible to see or feel, and it is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in Ontario women. The good news is that regular breast cancer screening can find cancer early, when it may be smaller and easier to treat. In short, mammograms save lives, which is why regular breast cancer screening is so important.
The Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) is a province-wide, organized cancer screening program that provides high-quality breast screening throughout Ontario. DRDH is a local site for the Ontario Breast Screening Program, and is accredited with through Cancer Care Ontario. DRDH consistently scores very well for wait times from first assessment to diagnosis, and offers patients a chance to have their mammograms completed locally.
There are many reasons to choose the Ontario Breast Screening Program - no referral is required, reminder letters are sent for future appointments, reports are mailed to you and your primary care provider, OBSP provides a large database for breast care research, and it is a best practice for breast screening.
DRDH is committed to providing the safest possible breast screening experience for our patients. A number of precautions are in place including active screening for every person entering the organization, requiring everyone to wear a mask, spacing out appointments to allow time for thorough cleaning between patients, and more.
If you are unsure whether or not you need to be screened for breast cancer, talk with your primary care provider. Patients that are due for a mammogram are encouraged to call and make an appointment. Women over 50 years of age who would like their mammogram in Deep River can call 613-732-1463 and request that their appointment be made in Deep River.
|