Make time for your health: Book a mammogram today

From October 6 to 10, Oak Valley Health (OVH) will take part in the Ontario Breast Screening Program’s (OBSP) annual Mammothon—a provincewide campaign encouraging women to book their mammograms and make their health a priority.

Women ages 40 to 74 are encouraged to have a mammogram every two years to detect changes in breast tissue that are too small to feel or see. Whether it’s a first mammogram or just time for a regular check-in, no referral is needed to schedule a screening.

“We all live busy lives and time gets away from us,” says Kathryn Graber, technical specialist in mammography at OVH. “Fear of the unknown, as well as scary rumours, can cause people to put off coming for their first mammogram, but this is a safe and judgement-free environment. We know how vulnerable it can feel, and we are here to help.”

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canadian women, and this dedicated week is aimed at increasing awareness, reducing barriers to screening and challenges to accessing regular care.

A mammogram takes as little as ten minutes to complete and can save lives. It uses a low-dose X-ray system to image the breast, and OVH offers the latest in digital mammography equipment, using a specially-designed digital camera and a computer to produce an image that is displayed on a high-resolution computer monitor.

“In 2024 alone, we performed up to 11,000 mammograms, and we do see the impact of our work,” Graber says. “We do diagnose some breast cancers, but fortunately, because we can detect it early, it gives the patient the best prognosis. We are here to provide care to our patients and will ensure they are informed and comfortable along the way.”

The organization’s dedicated mammography team—composed of experienced mammographers and radiologists—ensures every patient receives expert care. After an exam, a radiologist specializing in medical imaging will review the results, which will then be sent to both the patient and their primary care provider.

Graber adds that the team is committed to staying up to date with technology and best practices, continually improving patient care and the screening experience.

As of October 2024, the OBSP expanded its eligibility to also include women ages 40 to 49, and OVH has responded by extending its clinic hours to meet increased demand. The mammography department is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Call OVH at 905-472-7020 to book your mammogram today. For more information on preparing for your mammogram, visit oakvalleyhealth.ca.

Photo: “Fear of the unknown, as well as scary rumours, can cause people to put off coming for their first mammogram, but this is a safe and judgement-free environment,” says Kathryn Graber, technical specialist in Mammography at OVH.