The importance of breast cancer screening is being driven into local communities.
BC Cancer is bringing its mobile mammography van to region, offering screenings for women.
The van is currently in Vernon today (Thursday) through to Saturday at the Best Western Premiere, 5350 Anderson Way.
To book an appointment (available on Friday only), call
Armstrong is the next stop Jan. 8 to 10 at the Pleasant Valley Health Centre, 3800 Patten Dr.
The van visits Lumby Thursday, Jan. 11 to Saturday, Jan. 13. It will be stationed at 2040 Vernon St., in the Sheardown鈥檚 Foodliner Limited/Super A Foods parking lot.
It will be in Westbank Jan. 15 to 17, and Jan. 19 to 20.
The van was in Winfield Jan. 2 and 3.
Aside from the mobile van, women can book appointments at the Vernon Jubilee Hospital for screening.
鈥淎bout one in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime,鈥� according to BC Cancer. 鈥淩egular screening mammograms can find breast cancer early, usually before it has spread. Make it part of your regular health routine.
鈥淢ammograms can usually find lumps two or three years before you or your primary care provider can feel them. Research has shown a greater than 25 per cent reduction in deaths from breast cancer among those who regularly screen.鈥�
Even without a family history of breast cancer, women between the ages of 40 and 49 are encouraged to talk to their doctor about the benefits and limitations of screening mammography.
鈥淚f screening is chosen, it is available every two years,鈥� said BC Cancer. 鈥淎 doctor鈥檚 referral is not needed but is recommended.鈥�
While a family history of breast cancer is cause for a higher-than-average risk, the biggest risk factor for breast cancer is being a woman over 50 years of age.
A majority (80 per cent) of breast cancer cases are diagnosed in women 50 years of age or older.
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