Region advising women to get mammograms

Women aged 50 and up, the Region of Durham is calling on you to get a mammogram.

With October marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the regional health department is encouraging women to get screened regularly for breast cancer – the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Ontario females – by getting the test.

“Screening done through a mammogram can find breast cancer earlier when there are more treatment options available and an improved chance of survival,” states Brian Dallaway, a public health nurse with the health department.

“Most cases of breast cancer are found in women 50 and older, with most women having no family history of the disease. There are often no early warning symptoms of breast cancer. This is why screening for breast cancer should be done when you feel healthy and have no symptoms.”

To learn more about cancer screening, please call the Durham Health Connection line at 1-800-841-2729, or visit durham.ca/screening.