Breast Screening

The Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) offers free, high-quality breast screening to help with early detection of breast cancer.

The Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) provides free, high-quality breast screening to two groups of women:

Women aged 30 to 69 who are identified as being at high risk for breast cancer can receive annual mammography and breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) screening through the OBSP High Risk Program.

Women aged 40 to 74 with no signs of breast cancer can have a mammogram every two years through the OBSP as part of their routine medical care.

For women ages 40-74 with no signs of breast cancer – Every 2 years

The Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) offers free, high-quality mammograms every two years to women ages 40 to 74 with no signs of breast cancer as part of their routine medical care. Cancer Care Ontario sends a reminder letter when it’s time to book your next appointment. To find an OBSP location near you, click here. Some people with dense breasts and a family history of breast cancer may be recommended to get annual mammograms.

For women ages 30 – 69

People are often surprised to learn that less than one per cent of women are estimated to be at high risk for breast cancer. Women in this  category have a greater risk of developing breast cancer in their lifetime (up to 85%) than the general population (10-12%). Women at high risk can develop breast cancer at an earlier age and their breast cancers tend to be more aggressive.

Women are eligible for the OBSP High Risk Screening Program if they have no signs of breast cancer, are 30 to 69 years of age and meet one of the following risk criteria, including:

  • They have a genetic mutation that puts them at high risk for breast cancer.
  • They have refused genetic testing, but  have a parent, sibling or child with a genetic mutation that puts them at high risk for breast cancer.
  • Their  family history indicates a lifetime risk of breast cancer of 25 percent or more, confirmed through genetic assessment.
  • They received radiation therapy to the chest before age 30 as treatment for another cancer or condition.

How the OBSP High Risk program works:
If you think you may be in the high risk category, talk to your healthcare provider about a referral with a genetic counselor for a risk assessment.

Ten percent of women who undergo breast cancer screening will be called back for further tests and follow-up. The path that these women follow from the time they are called back until the time they receive a definitive diagnosis is called Breast Assessment.

Static map of Hamilton area with markers

Screening Locations

Ontario Breast Screening Program Locations in Our Region.

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I didn’t think I needed a mammogram because I felt healthy and didn’t have a family history of breast cancer

Mimmi, 58

Breast Cancer Survivor

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