METHOD OF IMPLEMENTATION: OVERVIEW
Mammography Screening
Mammography screening shall be available through the use of selected, existing mammography units in New Brunswick hospitals. Region Hospital Corporations shall be responsible for ensuring the provision of mammography screening services in accordance with the provincial standards that follow. Mammography screening shall be accessed through self-referral or physician referral. Women shall be informed of the results of their mammogram by a letter from the screening centre. Reports and radiologist's comments, where appropriate, pertaining to the screening mammogram shall be forwarded to the family physician or the Health Center designated by the women. Family physicians or the Health Center shall be responsible for directing follow-up care in the event of abnormal mammography screening results. (Note: Family physicians will continue to refer women to diagnostic mammography when appropriate. Diagnostic evaluation is indicated at any age if a woman has a lump or other signs of disease. In contrast to diagnostic assessments, screening mammography is a routine measure seeking to detect early disease in asymptomatic women).
Clinical Breast Examinations
Women who present themselves for mammography screening shall be encouraged to have clinical breast examinations (CBE) as part of their comprehensive women's health care. The letters sent to both women and their physicians concerning mammography screening results shall also reinforce this message. Compliance with CBE recommendations shall be monitored through self-reports from women upon their return visits for mammography screening.
Education and Breast Self-Examination
Mammography screening sites shall also provide an educational service for women. Educational materials on general breast health shall be available, as well as pamphlets and video instruction on breast self- examination (BSE). Where possible/available contacts for further instruction or workshops on BSE will be provided to interested women. Monthly BSE shall also be reinforced to women through their mammography screening results letter.
