Ontario Breast Screening Program

Ontario Breast Screening Program

First established in 1990, the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) provides high quality breast cancer screening services to women living in Ontario. It is operated by Cancer Care Ontario and funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

The OBSP currently accepts women who fall into the following two categories:

Women at average risk of developing breast cancer, age 50 and over

Evidence shows that regular mammograms for women who are at average risk and 50 years or older, are the most effective way to detect breast cancer early. Average risk means you have no other risk factors simply than being a woman and being older (i.e. 50 and over).

Women at high risk of developing breast cancer, age 30 to 69

As of July 1 2011, women in Ontario aged 30 to 69 who are at high risk for breast cancer due to genetic factors or a personal or family history suggestive of hereditary breast cancer can receive an annual breast screening MRI and mammogram through the OBSP.

How women can get screened

Women aged 50 and over who are at average risk may refer themselves to the OBSP. To self-refer, please call an OBSP site directly to make an appointment.
Women between the ages of 30 to 69 who are at high risk will need a referral from their doctor or nurse practitioner to be screened at an OBSP centre.

Additional Information

To learn more about the OBSP and its newly expanded services for women at high risk aged 30 to 69, visit www.ontario.ca/screenforlife.
For more information about breast health and breast screening call the Canadian Cancer Society’s Cancer Information Service toll-free at 1 888 939-3333 or e-mail info@cis.cancer.ca
Learn more about the Canadian Cancer Society’s Thingamaboob – a tool that shows women who are 50 to 69 just how important mammograms are in detecting breast cancer early, when it’s most treatable. Pass it on!

The role of the Canadian Cancer Society in the Ontario Breast Screening Program

The Canadian Cancer Society supports the OBSP recommendations for breast screening and works to refer people to the program and to raise awareness about the value of early detection. The Canadian Cancer Society is also an active member of OBSP related provincial, regional and local committees.

Last modified on: 01 November 2011