Screening for cancer means special health checks for women who have no symptoms or signs of cancer. The advantage of screening is it can detect cancer at a very early stage, meaning that treatment is more likely to be successful. Cancers that can be screened for include: bowel/colon cancer, cervical cancer and breast cancer.
Research is clear that regular screening does save lives.
Breast Screening / Mammograms
A mammogram is a special kind of x-ray, used to detect abnormalities in the breast that are too small to be seen or felt. In the NWT mammograms are available in Yellowknife, Hay River, and Inuvik. How a mammogram is arranged, where it happens and when, depends on a number of things including:
- your age
- where you live
For more detailed information about breast, cervical and colorectal, see NWT Screening Process
NWT recommends that women who have no symptoms, have never had breast cancer, and are aged 50 – 74 get screened by having a mammogram every 2-3 years.
Women in Yellowknife, N’dilo, Dettah
- You do not need a doctor’s referral.
- In the Yellowknife area call 867 765 4020
- In the Hay River area call 867 874 7223
Women in other NWT communities:
- You DO need a referral from your doctor or healthcare provider.
- Ask your doctor/healthcare provider to arrange travel benefits so this cost is covered for you.
In some situations, a mammogram might not be appropriate for screening, for example, if you:
- have breast implants
- are breast feeding or pregnant
Talk to your doctor/healthcare provider if this applies to you. You can still be screened for breast cancer by a physical examination.