On October 8th, eligible people age 40-49 will be able to self refer for mammograms to screen for breast cancer. Eligibility for screening includes: no new breast cancer symptoms, no personal history of breast cancer, have not had a mastectomy, have not had a screening mammogram within the last 11 month and if transfeminine, have used feminizing hormones for at least 5 years in a row.
Because the balance of potential benefits to potential harms may be different in this age bracket, eligible people are encouraged to have a conversation about screening in order to understand this balance and their personal risk in order to make an informed decision. These conversations could be with primary care providers or also by dialing a Health811 navigator.
Want to learn more? Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) invites Primary care providers to webinars hosted by Provincial Primary Care Lead, Dr. Jonathan Isenberg:
- Friday, September 13, 2024 from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.: Register here
- Thursday, October 10, 2024 from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.: Register here
Another opportunity to learn about this OBSP expansion will be through the Ontario College of Family Physician’s Community of Practice virtual meeting on October 18. Details are forthcoming.
What tools are helpful for us to help our patients make this decision?
For understanding screening benefits and risks in this age bracket , Ontario Health/CCO has produced a conversation starter found here and the Period Task for is updating their discussion tool
For understanding personal risk and how to lower their risk, patients can use MyCancer IQ
People age 40-50 are not automatically enrolled in the OBSP (i.e. they will not receive a first letter inviting them to be screened). If they choose to be screened they will be sent a letter with their result and also will be invited via letter to be re-screened in one to two years depending on the mammogram result.
Please see this FAQ from Ontario Health/CCO for more information