Early detection is crucial in the fight against breast cancer. Screening mammograms have been proven to be the best way to detect breast cancer or tumours early, possibly before symptoms are noticeable.
Screening for Life Program
Alberta Health Services has created a provincial screening program, called Screening for Life, that encourages patients to make screening mammograms a part of their regular health routine.
The goal of the program is to make it as easy as possible for patients to get mammograms to screen for the development of breast cancer. Oftentimes, patients don’t visit their healthcare practitioner until something feels off or they are presenting with symptoms.
By encouraging routine screening mammography, we can detect abnormalities before a patient presents with any symptoms – sometimes as early as 2-3 years before a lump might be noticeable.
In the fight against breast cancer, 2-3 years can have a significant impact on treatment.
Mammography Self-Referral Guidelines
Screening for Life allows patients within specific age demographics to “self-refer” for their screening mammograms without having to visit their healthcare practitioner to get a requisition.
Therefore, certain patients can call or book a screening mammogram at MIC without needing a requisition from their practitioner.
Screening mammography is the only exception in medical imaging where you can book an appointment without a requisition from a healthcare practitioner because of the provincial initiative (provided you meet the criteria below).
To self-refer for a screening mammogram, patients must meet the following criteria:
- Are not experiencing any pain or symptoms in their breasts, including lumps, pain, redness, discharge, etc.
- Have not had a previous breast cancer diagnosis.
- Have not had breast surgery or a breast biopsy within the last three years.
- Must have a valid Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan number.
- A patient’s age can also impact their ability to self-refer (see below).
Age Guidelines for Self-Referral
- Under age 40 – You can not self-refer.
- Ages 40 to 44 – You must have had one previous screening mammogram referred by a healthcare practitioner in Alberta.
- Ages 45 to 74 – You do not need to have had a previous screening mammogram referred by a healthcare practitioner in Alberta. This age group can self-refer.
- Ages 75 and older – You need a new referral from a healthcare practitioner in Alberta for your initial screening mammogram after turning 75; then you can self-refer again.
MIC’s Recommendation
MIC Medical Imaging encourages all our patients aged 40-74 to speak with their healthcare practitioner about the potential benefits vs. risks of breast cancer screening. Your practitioner will know your unique patient history best and help you formulate a plan based on your potential breast cancer risk factors.
Always Remember
While mammograms are a fantastic screening tool, they do not catch everything. Check with your healthcare practitioner if something doesn’t feel normal to you – even if your screening mammogram shows nothing unusual.
If you have dense breast tissue, you can always ask for a combination of breast imaging techniques for your next appointment.
Combining mammography and breast ultrasound options like ABUS or HHUS can significantly improve screening efficiency in women with high breast density.
However, you will need a requisition from your practitioner to book an ABUS or HHUS with your mammogram.
Any patient with dense breast tissue should strongly consider advocating for combination appointments with mammography and breast ultrasound. Learn more about how breast density can impact screening efforts.