Ontario Breast Screening Program issues Challenge to women of Northwestern Ontario

October 7, 2009

Breast cancer receives an amazing amount of attention in October – it’s not easy to avoid messages about the importance of breast screening. However, only half of all eligible women in Northwestern Ontario have regular mammograms through the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP).

A new challenge from the OBSP-Northwest aims to change that. On Monday, October 26, 2009, the OBSP-Northwest will host a full day of drop-in breast screening appointments at all of its affiliate sites in Northwestern Ontario.

“This will be our first-ever, 12-hour drop-in breast screening day in what we are calling the 150 Over 50 Challenge. Our goal is to provide 150 mammograms in one day to women who have never been screened by the OBSP,” said Lori Della Vedova, Manager of Cancer Screening, Regional Cancer Care. “This type of campaign was very successful in Sudbury last year, so we are hoping to achieve the same result.”

“Because women can simply drop in to any of our screening locations on October 26, we’re hoping to reach women who have put off making their first breast screening appointment. After their first screen, they become a client of the OBSP and we send them reminders every 1-2 years to come back for another mammogram,” she added.

In addition to the drop-in option, first-time clients can also call the OBSP to book an appointment for October 26 or call by November 13 to book a future appointment.

All participating women will be eligible for a $100 gift card draw.

“I applaud Regional Cancer Care for taking this active role in promoting breast cancer screening and encourage all women over 50 to please take it seriously. As a partner, we are proud to help provide greater access to breast cancer screening for women in Northwestern Ontario,” said Glenn Craig, President and CEO, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation. “Gifts to the Northern Cancer Fund of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation help fund life-saving breast cancer screening programs in our community, including the OBSP Mobile Coach and the Linda Buchan Centre for Breast Screening and Assessment.”

Details of the 150 Over 50 Challenge:

Date: Monday, October 26, 2009
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., local times

Locations:

Thunder Bay

	• OBSP mobile coach, located at County Fair Plaza (drop-in only)
	• Linda Buchan Centre at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre
	• Thunder Bay Medical Centre
	• CML Imaging at Port Arthur Health Centre

Fort Frances

Kenora

For more information, women can call the OBSP-Northwest at 684-7777 or toll free at 1-800-461-7031.

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