Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among New Brunswick women and is the second leading cause of cancer-related death. Regular breast cancer screening can detect tumours at an earlier stage and reduce breast cancer mortality.
New Brunswick Breast Cancer Screening Program
Screening
The New Brunswick 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) women between the ages of 50-74 to participate in routine screening mammography at one of the screening mammography sites across the province. Routine screening should be done every two to three years with mammography, if the results are normal
Women residing in NB who are 50 - 74 years of age and have no signs, symptoms or previous diagnosis of breast cancer can self-refer to breast cancer screening by contacting one of the screening sites.
Women aged 40-49 or over 74 who have no signs, symptoms or previous diagnosis of breast cancer are accepted for screening mammography only by referral from a primary health-care provider.
Routine screening is not recommended for women age 40 or younger.
Women should know what is normal for their breasts and discuss their risk factors for breast cancer or any changes in their breasts with their physician or nurse practitioner.
Risk factors for breast cancer: |
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personal history of cancer |
obesity |
age |
family history of cancer |
dense breasts |
gene mutations |
hormone replacement |
menstrual history |
previous breast condition |
You can also consult the Breast Cancer and Your Risk brochure.