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How do I find a breast cancer screening program?

  1. Home
  2. Cancer information
  3. Find cancer early
  4. Get screened for breast cancer
  5. How do I find a breast cancer screening program

How do organized breast screening programs in Canada work?

Organized screening programs are set up to reduce deaths in a particular group of people by finding and treating cancer in these people early, before they notice signs and symptoms. Screening programs focus only on certain populations because doing so helps make sure that the benefits of screening outweigh possible limitations.

You may access organized breast cancer screening in the following ways.
Invitation

Once you meet eligibility criteria, many breast screening programs will send you a formal letter or notification directly inviting you to participate in screening. Many provinces and territories do this from ages 50 to 74. Some programs have lowered their start age to 45 or 40.

Self-referral

Once you meet eligibility criteria, many breast screening programs allow you to self-refer. This means you can make an appointment to get screened without a referral from a healthcare provider. Most breast screening programs across Canada allow you to self-refer to get a mammogram starting at age 40.

Healthcare provider referral

Healthcare providers can help you understand your risk of breast cancer and whether you meet the criteria to participate in screening. If you have questions about your eligibility, talk to your healthcare provider. You can also ask for help at a walk-in clinic. A healthcare provider can refer you to a screening program.

Breast cancer screening programs in Canada

New to screening? Learn more about when you should get screened for breast cancer.

Most provinces and territories have organized breast screening programs. Nunavut doesn’t have an organized breast screening program right now. If you live in Nunavut, talk to your healthcare provider to find out how you can get screened.
Alberta British Columbia Manitoba New Brunswick Newfoundland and Labrador Northwest Territories Nova Scotia Ontario Prince Edward Island Quebec Saskatchewan Yukon

Breast cancer screening for people at high risk 

If you’re at a higher risk of developing breast cancer, you may need a personal plan for screening. Talk to your healthcare provider about your breast cancer risk and what screening approach is right for you. Depending on where you live, you might be referred to one of these programs.
British Columbia Nova Scotia Ontario Prince Edward Island

Continue learning more

Two people going for a walk on the beach

When should I be screened for breast cancer?

If you are 40 to 74, have a mammogram every 2 years.
Find out more
Person having a mammogram

What happens when you have a mammogram?

Mammograms are done in a clinic or screening centre by a radiology technologist who will position your breast on a special x-ray machine.
Find out more
Doctor reviewing test results with a patient

What are the benefits and limitations of screening for breast cancer?

Almost every test or procedure has benefits and limitations. Before having any test, it’s important to be aware of them so that you’re making an informed decision that’s right for you.
Find out more

Screening in 2SLGBTQI+ communities

2SLGBTQI+ communities are less likely to get screened for breast cancer than cisgender and heterosexual people.
Find out more

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