Mammography screening

New screening guidelines in Canada that state women aged 40–74 years with average risk for breast cancer do not need mammograms as often as thought, announced November 21, 2011 by The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care.

The new guidelines include these recommendations for Canada:
- women under age 50 who are at an average risk of developing breast cancer should not have routine mammograms
- clinical breast exams and self-exams have no benefit and shouldn’t be used
- women aged 50 to 69 who are at an average risk should have mammograms every two to three years, instead of every year or two
- women aged 70 to 74 who are at an average risk should have mammograms every two to three years (previous guidelines didn’t recommend screening for that age group)

The recommendations don’t apply to women with an elevated risk of breast cancer, such as those with a history of the disease in a first-degree relative or those with mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.

Discusses a study done in 2003 of women in Montreal who were waiting the results of their breast cancer screening. All participants received abnormal mammographic screening results and had to undergo additional examinations before obtaining the final diagnosis received an evaluation questionnaire.

The conclusions of the RQASF’s evaluation coincide with other research on anxiety experienced by women during the breast cancer screening and investigation process. Of particular note is that while the support of family and friends comforts women, it does not significantly reduce the level of anxiety of participants in the screening program.Only early support from health professionals diminishes their anxiety and prevents it from continuing through the subsequent stages. The fundamental role of physicians in providing support to women was strikingly clear. Another major element is the close relationship between emotional and informational support.

Discusses when to have a mammogram, what is a mammogram, what to expect, mammograms and radiation, minimizing the risk of breast cancer, and the government of Canada's role.

Describes the Manitoba Breast Screening Program, what a woman can expect when she has a mammogram, how long she has to wait to get her results, and how to book an appointment, in Farsi/Persian.

Describes the Manitoba Breast Screening Program, what a woman can expect when she has a mammogram, how long she has to wait to get her results, and how to book an appointment, in Russian.

Describes the Manitoba Breast Screening Program, what a woman can expect when she has a mammogram, how long she has to wait to get her results, and how to book an appointment, in Urdu.

Reports on a survey of women living in First Nations communities in New Brunswick and their knowledge of and participation in breast cancer screening programs.

Identifies requirements and conditions for high-quality breast cancer screening. Addresses issues related to the client-centred approach, promotion of and recruitment into the program, retention, quality of mammography, reporting of results, communication of results, follow-up and diagnostic workup, and program evaluation. Also presents, as special projects, results of a survey on quality assurance in Canadian breast screening programs, and details of a proposed study on radiologists’ performance in Canada.

Examines recent controversies surrounding mammography screening, including effectiveness and it's effect on mortality rates. Article first appeared in "A Friend Indeed," the newsletter for women in menopause and midlife.

Discusses early detection of breast cancer, and details the three methods of detection: mammograms, clinical breast examination and breast self-examination (BSE). Explains the provincial (Quebec) detection program.