Welcome to the Nova Scotia Breast Screening Program. This site is designed to provide information about the Nova Scotia Breast Screening Program and how to access its services. Please take the time to read the information presented here and contact the Breast Screening Program for additional details. We welcome your interest in your own health care.
Statistics show that one out of eight women in Nova Scotia will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Very early detection of breast cancer improves the chance of a cure. The Nova Scotia Breast Screening Program has been developed to assist in the early detection of breast cancer. The program offers women information on breast health and mammography (breast X-ray).
Who The Program Is For
We know that breast cancer risk increases as a woman ages. Women 50 and over are at a higher risk than younger women. Studies show that regular mammography (breast X-ray) can save the lives of many women over 50 by the early detection of breast cancer.
The breast screening program is specifically for asymptomatic women aged 40-49 who have not had a mammogram in the past 12 months and women over the age of 50 who have not had a mammogram in the past 2 years.
If you currently have a breast lump or nipple discharge, have been diagnosed as having breast cancer, or have breast implants, you are advised to see your doctor before contacting the clinic.
Screening clinics have hours of operation that are flexible and convenient. The Halifax clinic is located at the Halifax Shopping Centre. Other fixed screening facilities throughout the province are located as follows: Dartmouth General Hospital, Cobequid Multiservice Center in Lower Sackville, Colchester Regional Hospital in Truro, Cumberland Regional Hospital in Amherst, Aberdeen Hospital in New Glasgow, St. Martha’s Hospital in Antigonish, Valley Regional Hospital in Kentville, Cape Breton Regional Hospital in Sydney, South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater and Yarmouth Regional Hospital.
The Nova Scotia Breast Screening Program started a mobile breast screening service in August 1994. The Eastern Mobile travels throughout Cape Breton Island and serves the women in the Eastern Health Region. It is North America's first digital mobile mammography unit. The Western Mobile began service in 1997 and provides a screening service primarily to the women in the western region of Nova Scotia. In 2003, the Northern Mobile began operation and services the northern area of the province. Mobile schedules are at times adjusted periodically to service areas of the province where wait times are extended because of capacity issues.
How The Program WorksAt the Screening Clinic(s) or on the mobile van(s), you will receive the most current information on the early detection of breast cancer. A trained staff member will interview you for as to your past medical history and will perform a limited physical examination of your breasts. A mammogram (breast X-ray) will be taken of your breasts by a trained technologist. This safe, low dose X-ray uses a special technique that can find tumors at an early stage in development, often before a lump can be felt by a trained physician. The mammogram will then be reviewed by radiologists who are medical doctors and specialized in the diagnosis of breast cancer or breast-related problems.
You will be advised to arrange a physical examination of your breasts by your doctor every year as part of your health care.
The Mammogram or Breast X-ray
The mammogram will be performed on your upper body only, requiring you to remove clothing. You may find it more convenient to wear a blouse which buttons down the front with pants or a skirt so you won’t have to completely undress for your mammogram. Underarm powders and antiperspirants can cause artefacts on the images. You will be required to wash off products of this type before having a mammogram.Reports And Your Doctor's Role
The results of your mammogram will be sent to you by letter. Your family doctor will also be sent a copy of the results.
If the results are normal you will be advised to return to the screening clinic as recommended (usually 2 years) if you are aged 50-69. Women between the ages of 40-49 are advised to have yearly screening mammograms if they decide to join the program. Women over 70 should continue to have mammograms if in good health.
Further testing is sometimes required. These tests will be arranged and coordinated by the breast screening program or your family doctor. This does not necessarily mean you have cancer. In fact, In fact, less than 1 out of every 10 abnormal mammograms will prove to be cancer. You are encouraged to consult your doctor with questions you may have about your results or further testing.
