• A mammogram is a safe, low dose x-ray picture of the breast
• Mammography is the best screening test for finding cancer early for most women aged 50 to 74
• Mammograms are not perfect – they can miss some breast cancers, and breast cancers can develop after one mammogram and before the next one

• When you are 50 years and over, have a mammogram every 2 years, or as recommended by your doctor

• If you are a woman age 50 to 74, at average risk of breast cancer, living in Ontario and with no personal history of breast cancer, you or your doctor can call the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) at 1-800-668-9304 to book your mammogram
• Mammograms can also be done at your local clinic or hospital. Talk to your doctor about a referral

• Women aged 30 to 69 who think they may be at high risk due to a family history of breast cancer or medical history, should talk with their doctor
• The OBSP recommends that women at high risk for breast cancer, aged 30 to 69, be screened every year with a mammogram and breast MRI
• A MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan is a test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create many pictures of the body. It does not use radiation (x-rays)
• Women aged 30 to 69 who are at high risk for breast cancer need a referral from a doctor to be screened at OBSP

Last updated February 2012