The BC Cancer Agency’s Screening Mammography Program provides free, regular mammograms to BC women ages 40 to 79 without a doctor’s referral.
A screening mammogram is an x-ray exam of the breast used to find breast changes in healthy women with no signs of breast problems. At the exam, a trained female technologist takes four x-rays, two of each breast.
Who is eligible?
- B.C. resident 40 to 79 years of age
- Have no breast changes (e.g. new lumps, thickening or discharge)
- Can provide the name of a doctor to receive the results
- Have not had a mammogram within 12 months
- Have not had breast cancer
- Do not have breast implants
- Are not pregnant or breast-feeding
If you do not meet the criteria for screening mammography, please talk to your doctor to find out about other mammography options.
What to do if you are experiencing a breast health concern.
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Mobile services through the Screening Mammography Program come to VIHA communities once or twice a year. For a schedule, please visit www.smpbc.ca (look under “Locations”).
VIHA also offers screening mammography services at these fixed locations:
Campbell River
Campbell River & District Hospital
375 – 2nd Ave
Ph: 1-800-663-9203
Comox
St. Joseph’s General Hospital
2137 Comox Ave.
Ph: 250-890-3020
Duncan
Cowichan District Hospital
3045 Gibbins Road
Ph: 1-800-663-9203
Nanaimo
Westhill Centre
Suite B – 1804 Bowen Road
Ph: 250-716-5904
Port Alberni
West Coast General Hospital
3949 Port Alberni Highway
Ph: 1-800-663-9203
Victoria
Victoria General Hospital
1 Hospital Way
Ph: 250-727-4338
Or
#305 - 1990 Richmond Ave.
Ph: 250-952-4232
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About 7% of all women screened in BC have abnormal screening mammograms. These cases may require follow-up imaging tests, called diagnostic work-ups.
The Screening Mammography Program has a Fast Track process to reduce the time required to complete diagnostic work-ups.
If your physician participates in the Fast Track process, you will receive a call to arrange a timely appointment for follow-up imaging tests. Otherwise, a physician will arrange for the appropriate tests once her or she receives the screening mammogram report.
Women who have not heard from their physician or a diagnostic facility within one week of receiving their abnormal results letter need to contact their physician.
Family physicians interested in participating in the Fast Track program can vist the Screening Mammography Program of BC - Fast Track web page or phone 1.800.663.9203.
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People are often surprised to learn that only 5-10% of cancer diagnosis can be attributed to heredity.
The BC Cancer Agency website has information to help you determine whether your family is at risk for developing a hereditary cancer.
For families at risk for developing a hereditary cancer, a physician can refer you to the BC Cancer Agency's Hereditary Cancer Program for genetic counseling, or you can refer yourself.
You may then be referred to the Medical Genetics Clinic at Victoria General Hospital.
- Phone: (250) 727-4461
- Fax: (250) 727-4295
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