Starting July 1, London area women who are at a high risk for breast cancer will have
access to services at the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) High Risk
Screening Centre at St. Joseph’s
Health Care London.
The OBSP High Risk Screening Centre at St. Joseph’s Health Care London will provide
women, 30-69 years old who are at high risk for breast cancer, with annual
mammography and breast MRI screening as well as follow up services. Genetic
centres across the province will provide the genetic services.
Women who think they may be at high risk can visit their
doctor or nurse practitioner for a referral to the OBSP. Referrals will be
based on specific
criteria such as genetics, and family or medical history.
Expanding breast screening
is based on the advice of clinical experts and best medical evidence. This move
will provide more access to health care services while improving quality and
accountability for patients.
QUOTES
“Early detection is one of
the best ways to improve patient outcomes and help women beat breast cancer.
Through the High Risk Screening Centre at St.
Joseph’s Health Care London, our government will
provide the gold standard of screening and the highest quality care for women
most at risk of developing this terrible disease.”
- Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care. MPP
for London
North Centre
"This is great news for women and families in the London area. This OBSP
High Risk Screening Centre at St.
Joseph’s will help more women beat breast cancer
through early detection."
- Chris Bentley,
Attorney General, MPP for London
West
“Studies show that early detection of
breast cancer saves lives. By expanding the availability of breast screening
for women at high risk in London and area, we’re making sure that patients are
getting the best care available.”
- Khalil Ramal, MPP for London-Fanshawe
“I’m delighted that this OBSP site has been chosen as a High
Risk Screening Centre. We look forward to helping to provide timely and
accessible services to women who are at high risk of breast cancer so that they
have their best chance of an early diagnosis of breast cancer.”
- Dr. Linda Rabeneck, Vice President of Prevention and
Cancer Control, Cancer Care Ontario
“This is an exciting day for St. Joseph’s and those we serve. We are pleased to work collaboratively with
the South West LHIN and the health ministry on the development of a
comprehensive high risk screening program that will be so vital in the battle
against cancer.”
- Dr. Gillian
Kernaghan, President and CEO, St.
Joseph’s Health Care London
QUICK FACTS
-
St.
Joseph’s Health Care London is one of the first 19
High Risk Screening Centres in the province.
-
Women who are at high risk (less than one per
cent of Ontario
females) have a 25 per cent or greater lifetime risk of developing breast
cancer.
-
Regular screening,
combined with greater self-awareness and improvements in treatment, has been
shown to save lives. In fact, deaths from
breast cancer have been reduced by up to one third.
-
To date, the OBSP has
provided over 3.6 million screens and detected more than 19,000 cancers, the
majority in the early stages. These high risk centres will help to provide
90,000 more breast screens over the next three years.
-
Since October 2006, Ontario has funded 35
new cancer drug products, five of which are for breast cancer.
LEARN MORE
Read about the Ontario
Breast Screening Program expansion.