{"id":4195,"date":"2025-02-27T07:38:57","date_gmt":"2025-02-27T11:38:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ottawanka.com\/?p=4195"},"modified":"2025-02-27T07:39:08","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T11:39:08","slug":"where-and-how-to-get-a-breast-cancer-screening-in-ottawa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ottawanka.com\/en\/eternal-4195-where-and-how-to-get-a-breast-cancer-screening-in-ottawa","title":{"rendered":"Where and How to Get a Breast Cancer Screening in Ottawa"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Breast cancer in Ottawa is a serious condition, but it can be treated\u2014especially if caught in its early stages. Women in the city have many healthcare facilities available for screening. Learn more at <a href=\"http:\/\/ottawanka.com\"><strong>ottawanka.com<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a0c1c0e384f6\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #090909;color:#090909\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #090909;color:#090909\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a0c1c0e384f6\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawanka.com\/en\/eternal-4195-where-and-how-to-get-a-breast-cancer-screening-in-ottawa\/#Breast_Cancer_Risks_and_Symptoms\" >Breast Cancer: Risks and Symptoms<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawanka.com\/en\/eternal-4195-where-and-how-to-get-a-breast-cancer-screening-in-ottawa\/#Screening_Frequency\" >Screening Frequency<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawanka.com\/en\/eternal-4195-where-and-how-to-get-a-breast-cancer-screening-in-ottawa\/#Preparing_for_a_Mammogram\" >Preparing for a Mammogram<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawanka.com\/en\/eternal-4195-where-and-how-to-get-a-breast-cancer-screening-in-ottawa\/#Breast_Health_Centre_at_The_Ottawa_Hospital\" >Breast Health Centre at The Ottawa Hospital<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawanka.com\/en\/eternal-4195-where-and-how-to-get-a-breast-cancer-screening-in-ottawa\/#Ottawa_Statistics\" >Ottawa Statistics<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawanka.com\/en\/eternal-4195-where-and-how-to-get-a-breast-cancer-screening-in-ottawa\/#Prevention\" >Prevention<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Breast_Cancer_Risks_and_Symptoms\"><\/span><strong>Breast Cancer: Risks and Symptoms<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This disease occurs when cells in the breast begin to multiply uncontrollably, forming a tumour that can spread to other parts of the body. Several factors raise the risk of developing breast cancer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Women aged 50 or older face higher risk.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Certain genetic mutations increase the likelihood of breast cancer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Family history matters. For example, if relatives have been diagnosed with breast cancer, the risk is significantly higher.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hormonal factors, such as early or late menstruation and hormone replacement therapy, can increase risk.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lifestyle factors can also contribute, such as an imbalanced diet, lack of physical activity, being overweight, or other unhealthy habits.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Women are often concerned about the symptoms of breast cancer. In the early stages, symptoms might be absent. One of the most common signs is a lump or nodule in the breast. Other symptoms include discharge from the nipple (other than breastmilk while nursing), changes in the shape or size of the breast, redness or flaking of the breast skin, dimpling of the skin or nipple, and breast pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s worth noting that in <strong>Ontario<\/strong>, breast cancer has one of the highest survival rates among all types of cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawanka.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2025\/02\/ad_4nxfg8clbcw-48o3p4jpbhkdz4h8cyd2ewbs2a-dnpetvxbrqeifmv2flwnseushxe4tjhlywv6uyveo1n0hfjojsnzkm8ntsyyezqaqw7fsddsbn6vvw7yb40tvcgwxwfthkj8zdkeyks7jm-z5ajytxxbfln7wopcr.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Screening_Frequency\"><\/span><strong>Screening Frequency<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Several methods detect breast cancer, including <strong>mammography<\/strong> (an X-ray of the breasts), <strong>ultrasound<\/strong> (to examine the structure of the breast), and <strong>biopsy<\/strong> (taking a small tissue sample for microscopic examination).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Breast cancer can occur at any age but more commonly affects women over 50. Regular mammograms detect cancer at an early stage and help reduce the risk of death from breast cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP)<\/strong> focuses on two groups eligible for breast cancer screening in Ontario: those at average risk (screening recommended every two years) and those at high risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Women aged 30 to 69 who meet the criteria for the Ontario high-risk breast screening program are advised to have a mammogram combined with MRI or ultrasound once a year. Patients must have Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) coverage and a referral from a physician.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawanka.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2025\/02\/ad_4nxebk6iccaltgmozbh_4mfv1xxsw0ujs6aetbtiskhypzbzzd84zqncjbffudvfsut8to-uzdlgpnrzy3yrbku6ygc39iarxvs41ymhrkfisw_mmgnyfmwdaeqlr45yo_j8g3dsvawkeyks7jm-z5ajytxxbfln7wopcr.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Preparing_for_a_Mammogram\"><\/span><strong>Preparing for a Mammogram<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s important to schedule your mammogram when your breasts are not sensitive. On the day of your appointment, wear separate top and bottom attire, like a shirt and pants. Avoid using deodorants, antiperspirants, lotions, or powders before the mammogram.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another frequent question is how to make an appointment:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You can contact your nearest Ontario Breast Screening Program site.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You can also call the Ontario Breast Screening Program at <strong>1-800-668-9304<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>If your test results are normal, you\u2019ll be notified by mail from Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) or by phone at <strong>1-866-662-9233<\/strong>. If results are abnormal, staff from the Ontario Breast Screening Program location will inform you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, Ottawa provides a wide range of healthcare services covering breast cancer diagnosis. Early screenings are key to early detection and successful treatment. Women aged 40 and over can have mammograms covered by OHIP on their own without a referral from a doctor or nurse. If you have additional questions or concerns, you can always speak with your physician or oncologist or contact <strong>Health811<\/strong>. By calling that number, you can discuss your risk of developing cancer, as well as the potential benefits and drawbacks of screening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawanka.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2025\/02\/ad_4nxcvxfx3uecesztpvifmqfu6ifxffxayf1-q0kx6c7kayyuap5lmm1y2kimb4cnlpqjtohpjyeed_tnebfauf4q-po6e5ehvuuq9jufujrxx53ub_f1tmbbeuefzhv1zpd6ffjcu-akeyks7jm-z5ajytxxbfln7wopcr.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Breast_Health_Centre_at_The_Ottawa_Hospital\"><\/span><strong>Breast Health Centre at The Ottawa Hospital<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This centre opened on <strong>September 20, 2018<\/strong>, at The Ottawa Hospital. It was a momentous occasion made possible by over 200 generous donors and tireless supporters who raised <strong>14 million dollars<\/strong>. The centre is equipped with an impressive suite of technologies\u2014some of the most modern and comprehensive in Canada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Ottawa Hospital takes a comprehensive approach to breast health. The Breast Health Centre provides:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Breast imaging<\/strong>, including mammography, ultrasound, and other imaging methods. This makes it possible to detect breast tissue changes at early stages.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Beyond imaging, the centre performs <strong>biopsies<\/strong> to make accurate diagnoses.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Specialists assess individual breast cancer risks and propose prevention strategies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If cancer is diagnosed, doctors devise personalized treatment plans, including surgery.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The centre also offers crucial <a href=\"https:\/\/ottawanka.com\/uk\/eternal-3706-grupa-pidtrymky-dlya-batkiv-pleo-yak-znajty-vyhid-u-skladnyh-sytuacziyah\"><strong>psychosocial support<\/strong><\/a> to help patients cope with the emotional strain that comes with a cancer diagnosis.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawanka.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2025\/02\/ad_4nxco5f-llh3hstc5hvb9hwsyav855v9bksi1b9tyrcm4rihxtmsa_c1i-sir-yngzcajo5kmg7ypdeixrqxesvo4gycxoikcsn_bn2cetvwj7jkvxsul-lfhusx0hq3vnersvmfyhakeyks7jm-z5ajytxxbfln7wopcr.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ottawa_Statistics\"><\/span><strong>Ottawa Statistics<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Previously, Ottawa had four breast health centres; that number was reduced to two (<strong>Rose Ages Breast Health Centre<\/strong> and <strong>Hampton Park<\/strong>). Centralizing services cuts down on travel time, improves patient care, and boosts efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In <strong>2018<\/strong>, about <strong>1,000 women<\/strong> in Ottawa received a breast cancer diagnosis. A generous community of donors is working to tackle this problem, striving to improve all aspects of breast cancer care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fewer than <strong>3%<\/strong> of Canadian women with breast cancer participate in clinical trials\u2014an alarmingly low number. One reason was the large amount of paperwork needed before commencing a trial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In <strong>2014<\/strong>, Dr. Mark Clemons (a medical oncologist and researcher), along with Dr. Dean Fergusson (director of the clinical epidemiology program) and colleagues at The Ottawa Hospital, developed <strong>REaCT<\/strong> (ReThinking Clinical Trials), which streamlined registration for clinical trials and improved efficiency for breast cancer patients. Over <strong>2,300 participants<\/strong> have joined since then.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Between <strong>2018<\/strong> and <strong>2019<\/strong>, <strong>42,288<\/strong> women were diagnosed. <strong>2,397<\/strong> breast biopsies were conducted, <strong>5,129<\/strong> women went to general clinics, and <strong>1,929<\/strong> patients visited the Breast Centre. Most notably, <strong>889<\/strong> patients began treatment for diagnosed breast cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Prevention\"><\/span><strong>Prevention<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, here are tips for reducing your breast cancer risk: maintain a healthy weight, limit alcohol, avoid smoking, stay active, and discuss your risk factors with a physician or nurse\u2014especially if you\u2019re using birth control or hormone replacement therapy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ontario.ca\/page\/breast-cancer-testing-and-prevention\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.ontario.ca\/page\/breast-cancer-testing-and-prevention<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ohfoundation.ca\/be-inspired\/a-new-era-in-breast-health-at-the-ottawa-hospital\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/ohfoundation.ca\/be-inspired\/a-new-era-in-breast-health-at-the-ottawa-hospital\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ottawahospital.on.ca\/en\/clinical-services\/deptpgrmcs\/programs\/cancer-program\/what-we-offer-our-programs-and-services\/ontario-breast-screening-program\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.ottawahospital.on.ca\/en\/clinical-services\/deptpgrmcs\/programs\/cancer-program\/what-we-offer-our-programs-and-services\/ontario-breast-screening-program\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Breast cancer in Ottawa is a serious condition, but it can be treated\u2014especially if caught in its early stages. Women in the city have many healthcare facilities available for screening. Learn more at ottawanka.com. Breast Cancer: Risks and Symptoms This disease occurs when cells in the breast begin to multiply uncontrollably, forming a tumour that [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":414,"featured_media":4096,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1036],"tags":[3247,3256,3248,3250,3251,3257,3254,3252,3259,2968,3253,3258,2967,3249,3255],"motype":[1045],"moformat":[127],"moimportance":[212,34,33],"class_list":{"0":"post-4195","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-style-and-beauty","8":"tag-advice","9":"tag-breast-cancer-in-ottawa","10":"tag-breast-cancer-prevention","11":"tag-comprehensive-approach","12":"tag-diagnosing","13":"tag-diagnosis","14":"tag-getting-tested","15":"tag-ottawa-hospital","16":"tag-ottawa-hospital-breast-health-centre","17":"tag-prevention","18":"tag-risk-groups","19":"tag-risk-reduction","20":"tag-treatment","21":"tag-womens-health","22":"tag-womens-screening","23":"motype-eternal","24":"moformat-longrid-korotka","25":"moimportance-aktualnist-bilshe-roku","26":"moimportance-golovna-novina","27":"moimportance-retranslyacziya-v-agregatori"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ottawanka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4195","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ottawanka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ottawanka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawanka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/414"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawanka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4195"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/ottawanka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4195\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4208,"href":"https:\/\/ottawanka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4195\/revisions\/4208"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawanka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4096"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ottawanka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4195"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawanka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4195"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawanka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4195"},{"taxonomy":"motype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawanka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/motype?post=4195"},{"taxonomy":"moformat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawanka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moformat?post=4195"},{"taxonomy":"moimportance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawanka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moimportance?post=4195"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}