Alberta Health Services has a call out to women to visit a mobile mammography trailer that will spend the next couple of weeks in Ponoka, offering breast cancer screening.

They have two mobile units that stop in 120 communities every year, bringing breast cancer screening to woman across rural Alberta.

Harmony McRae, Health Promotion Facilitator with Screen Test explains why regular screening is so important for women.

“Breast cancer is still the most commonly found cancer for women in Alberta and also in Canada. The good news is it’s not quite as serious as it used to be because we are finding it earlier with screening mammograms, and they can find breast cancer about 2-3 years before it turns into a lump big enough to be felt by a woman or her Doctor”.

McRae says it's important not to wait until you have a problem like a lump, get checked when you are still healthy and don't have any problems.

In terms of who should be making an appointment, McRae explains.

“Our service is mainly for women 50-74 and they are the ones most likely to benefit from screening. We do see women 40-49 but they do need a referral from their Doctor so it’s mainly for women 50-74. Once you turn 50 it should become part of your regular health routine, that’s what we really tell women.”

A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast and has proven the most effective way to detect breast cancer, and early detection allows for a greater number of treatment options and a better chance of survival.

The mobile mammography unit will be stationed at the Ponoka Community Health Centre (Health Unit, 5900 Hwy 2A) November 14-18 and 20-22. Call 1-800-667-0604 to book an appointment.

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(Photo courtesy of Alberta Health Services)