BOYLE — The Alberta Health Services (AHS) Screen Test Mammography Clinic will be arriving in Boyle next month bringing with it screen tests for cervical and colorectal cancers as well.
After mobile mammography services were suspended for three months in 2020, the mobile clinic is several months behind in their usual rotation, but are back on the road and are including the PAP and FIT tests as part of the new Integrated Access to Cancer Screening project.
“Screen Test brings breast cancer screening to women across Alberta with its state-of-the-art mobile mammography unit,” Rinne said in a March 4 email. “As part of the new Integrated Access to Cancer Screening project, we are pleased to be partnering with AHS Screening Programs to bring cervical and colorectal screening services,” said AHS senior communications advisor Diana Rinne in an e-mail.
Women aged 40-74 are encouraged to make an appointment. For women 40-49 it is a good time to get your first mammogram so future tests can determine any changes because women aged 50-74 are the age group most commonly diagnosed with breast cancer.
“Screening mammograms are not recommended for women under age 40,” Rinne said. “Women in this age group should discuss their breast cancer risk and mammography options with their health care provider.”
Women 40-49 will need a referral from a nurse practitioner or physician, and women 75 and over can continue screening, but should discuss the risks and benefits with their doctor.
Papanicolaou, or PAP tests are used to check for cervical cell changes, which can be monitored to make sure they clear up. Ninety per cent of cervical cancer can be prevented with early treatment.
“Women 25 to 69 should receive cervical cancer screening,” Rinne said. “After the first PAP test, women should have a PAP test once every three years.”
Men and women age 50-74 should also receive regular colorectal screening, she said.
“Colorectal cancer screening looks for early signs of cancer in people who feel well and have no symptoms,” she said. “Colorectal cancer is easier to treat when found at an early stage and 90 per cent of cases can be treated successfully if found early. A consultation with a healthcare provider can determine if the FIT home stool test or colonoscopy is the right test.”
The AHS Screen Test Mobile Mammography Clinic will be in Boyle April 5-9, and the cervical and colorectal screening will be available April 5-7. The unit will also be providing the same services in Athabasca April 10-12.
“The staff are taking a number of precautions to ensure the safety of clients and staff and to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and details will be shared when clients call to book an appointment,” Rinne said.
Call 1-800-667-0604 toll free to book your free appointment or for more information go to screeningforlife.ca.
