1) What is the Breast Cancer Screening Program?
The NB Breast Cancer Screening Program is a population-based screening program with the purpose of finding cancers of the breast as early as possible.
The Program encourages average risk (asymptomatic) individuals (women, trans men or gender diverse people) between the ages of 50-74 to participate in routine screening mammography at one of the 14 screening mammography sites across the province.
As of June 3rd, 2024, individuals between the age of 40-49 who have no signs, symptoms or previous diagnosis of breast cancer will also be able to self-refer for a mammogram by contacting one of the screening sites. Individuals in this age group are encouraged to have a conversation with their health care provider on the risks and benefits of screening, as well as their values and preferences, to determine if screening is right for them
2) How does the screening program work?
The NB Breast Cancer Screening Program is a population-based screening program offering breast screening services that are delivered by the two Regional Health Authorities as follows:
- Individuals (women, trans men or gender diverse people) residing in NB who are 50-74 years of age and have no signs, symptoms or previous diagnosis of breast cancer are encouraged to participate in breast cancer screening by contacting one of the screening sites to book a screening mammogram.
- As of June 3rd, 2024, individuals between the age of 40-49 who have no signs, symptoms or previous diagnosis of breast cancer will also be able to self-refer for a mammogram by contacting one of the screening sites. Individuals in this age group are encouraged to have a conversation with their health care provider on the risks and benefits of screening, as well as their values and preferences, to determine if screening is right for them.
- Individuals over 74 who have no signs, symptoms or previous diagnosis of breast cancer are accepted for screening mammography only by referral from their primary health-care provider.
- Routine screening is not recommended for individuals under the age of 40.
- Mammography is the optimal tool for screening average risk (asymptomatic) individuals.
- Breast screening sites will invite eligible individuals to participate in the screening program and inform participants and their primary health-care providers of screening test results.
- The Program has been offering breast cancer screening since 1996.
3) Where can I get breast screening?
Breast cancer screening services are provided at 14 sites in the province; 8 in the Horizon Health Network and 6 in the Vitalité Health Network distributed as follows:
The Horizon Health Network breast cancer screening sites are located in the:
- Katherine Wright Centre
- Sussex Health Centre
- St Joseph’s Hospital
- Charlotte County Hospital
- Oromocto Public Hospital
- Upper River Valley Hospital
- Hotel-Dieu of St.Joseph Hospital
- Miramichi Regional Hospital
The Vitalité Heatlh Network breast cancer screening sites are located in the:
- Dr. Georges-L-Dumont University Hospital Centre
- Grand Falls General Hospital
- Edmundston Regional Hospital
- Campbellton Regional Hospital
- Chaleur Regional Hospital
- Community Health Centre l’Enfant-Jésus
4) How often should I be screened?
Routine screening mammography should be done every one to two years for individuals aged 40 to 49 and every two to three years for individuals aged 50 to 74 if the results are normal.
Routine screening is not recommended for individuals under the age of 40.
5) What if I do not want to be part of the program?
If you have questions, concerns or do not want to be part of the NB Breast Cancer Screening Program, call 1-844-777-3443 or the breast screening site where mammography was done.
By choosing to not participate, this means:
- you will not be invited by the program,
- you and your doctor will be responsible for all breast cancer screening.
6) What if I want to return to the program?
If you have questions, or if you want to re-join the program, please call 1-844-777-3443.
Remember screening saves lives!
7) How can I find out more about the program?
To learn more about the NB Breast Cancer Screening Program, please call 1-844-777-3443.