Mobile mammogram clinic coming to Chetwynd

CHETWYND, B.C. — Appointments at a mobile breast cancer screening clinic will be available in the Peace region during the August long weekend.

The BC Cancer Foundation, a government agency which funds cancer research and advancements for the province’s residents, has announced a mobile cancer screening clinic will come to northern B.C. communities throughout the last week of July.

This will include a stop in Chetwynd from Wednesday, July 30th to Saturday, August 2nd, according to a press release.

A screening mammogram consists of two images of each breast in order to look for hidden cancer in those who are healthy with no symptoms and have never had cancer.

The release says mammograms may discover lumps “two to three years” before a person or their primary care provider can feel them.

John Lowrie, mobile operations manager for the breast screening program, said the screenings save lives “often before cancer has spread and when more treatment options are available.”

“More people in B.C. are being diagnosed with breast cancer, but fewer are dying from the disease,” said Lowrie. “This is in large part due to early detection and treatment.”

According to the foundation, over 3,500 people receive a diagnosis of breast cancer annually, with around 10 per cent of screenings done in mobile units.

The mobile breast cancer screening clinic will be in Chetwynd at the Chetwynd Hospital and Health Centre on 5500 Hospital Road.

To book an appointment, call 1-800-663-9203. For more information about connecting to a health provider about a screening, visit the BC Cancer Foundation’s website.