- The following conditions shall warrant permanent ineligibility for breast screening services:
- past diagnosis of breast cancer
- breast enlargement surgery such as implants or injections
- Women with the following conditions shall be temporarily ineligible for breast screening services:
- mammogram within the previous year
- breast surgery in the previous two years
- breastfeeding in previous three months ,
- possible pregnancy
As well, screening services are not appropriate for women with any signs or symptoms of potential breast cancer (e.g., solitary breast lump, bloody nipple discharge). Such women shall be referred to their family physicians for appropriate diagnostic assessment.
- Screening sites shall follow the provincial protocol to discuss and explain ineligibility.
- Breast screening services shall be accessible to eligible women through either self-referral or physician referral;
- Any woman who contacts the designated screening site for an appointment or for whom a referral has been received shall be asked a standard series of questions (see Appendix B) to determine her eligibility status. Women who are ineligible should be told the rationale for their ineligibility and advised re options available/appropriate for them. Women who are temporarily ineligible should be advised when they would be considered eligible for a future appointment and, if feasible, be provided with an appointment date that respects the time stipulation(s) specific to their condition(s).
- Upon registration (see Appendix C), all women shall be asked to identify the name of their personal physician or designated Health Center where screening results can be forwarded. Screening sites shall have available a list of physicians willing to accept patients from the local screening service. Women who do not have a physician shall be asked to select one from this list.
