Free breast cancer screenings return to Ponoka

PONOKA -- Free breast cancer screenings will be returning to Ponoka next month.

This comes as Primary Care Alberta's mobile mammography trailer will be visiting the area on Nov. 7, Nov. 9-10, and from Nov. 12-14, to provide screening mammograms to eligible individuals aged 45 to 74. The trailer will be at the Ponoka Community Health Centre, located at 5900 Hwy 2A.

Screening is available at no cost for eligible individuals, but appointments are required. Residents can call 1-800-667-0604 to book an appointment or learn more about the program. PCA says screening mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early when treatment may work better, and that getting screened for breast cancer saves lives.

Residents can visit https://screeningforlife.ca/breast/screen-test-mobile-clinics/ for more information and a complete listing of communities that the Screen Test mobile visits. Screen Test aims to provide access to cancer screening for thousands of individuals in Alberta communities where mammograms are not readily available.

In addition to mobile mammography clinics, screening can also be performed at specific radiology clinics and some hospitals. Individuals aged 45 to 74 can discuss their breast cancer risk with their healthcare providers to determine whether screening is appropriate for them and book with a radiology clinic or with Screen Test mobile mammography.