The mobile mammography unit is coming to the Village of Boyle.
Run by an Alberta Health Services' non-profit program called Screen Test, the unit will be moored at the Boyle Health Care Centre on June 2, 4 and 5.
Harmony McRae, Screen Test's health promotions facilitator, says it's extremely important to get it done as early as possible.
"The earlier a person can get a mammogram done, the more likely it is to detect breast cancer at its early stages," said McRae. "We also encourage lots of Albertans to take advantage of this service, as the unit typically stops in communities where such a screening is not usually available. So, instead of making them come to us, we bring it out to them."
She added that the group most typically at risk are the 50 to 74 year old age group.
"We would recommend that women in this group get tested every two years," McRae said. "As well, we also do not require a doctor's referral for them to get tested. We also do offer it for the 40-49 year old age bracket, but in this case, having a test is optional. As a result, they will need a referral for their first screening."
But even still, McRae did admit that there are many questions around why a person would need to have a mammogram.
"There are still lots of myths surrounding getting a screening," she said. "One common one is that it actually causes breast cancer. This one is actually built around the fact that there is indeed a small amount of radiation in the x-ray used for the screening. But, it is only a small amount of radiation, and it is considered a safe amount, so it doesn't really affect anything."
Another myth around mammograms is that you do not need one if there is no family history of breast cancer.
"That is false," McRae said. "In fact, 80 percent of new cases of breast cancer are in women who have no family history of the disease. In fact, only 10 percent of patients have any familial history around this type of cancer."
To book a mammogram, you can do so at their website at www.screeningforlife.ca/breastcancer, or by calling 1-800-667-0604.
McRae says they usually have most spots full already by the time they get to each community.
"We are likely to see at least several hundred people in each of the communities, including in Boyle," she said. "Across the province, we see about 15,000 people each year."
But besides having a mammogram, there are other ways to prevent getting breast cancer.
"You can also get your breasts checked every year by your family doctor," she said. "And you should always know what is normal for your body. If you happen to see a lump, you should immediately go and see your doctor."
She added that lifestyles also play an important part in remaining cancer-free.
"Exercising regularly is a good way to remain cancer-free," said McRae. "Also, staying at a healthy weight can also go a long way too."
The unit will also find itself in at the Bigstone Health Centre from May 28 to 30 in Wabasca.
