INVITATION

You are invited to participate in the breast screening service for New Brunswick women between 50 and 69 years of age. This service is offered by Region Hospital Corporations to help increase the early detection of breast cancer.

In New Brunswick, breast cancer is the most common cancer for women and the second cause of women's cancer deaths. As a woman, your risk for breast cancer increases with age; in fact, aging is a much stronger risk factor than even a family history of breast cancer.

We know that a special x-ray of the breasts called "mammogram" can often detect a cancer 2 or 3 years before it is large enough to be felt as a lump. This "head start" in finding a problem can improve your chances of surviving breast cancer. It makes sense to call for an appointment now when you have no lumps or breast problems.

Breast screening services in New Brunswick have been established to provide the best quality mammogram in a comfortable setting. We can also provide you with important information on what you can do to promote breast health. Our goal is to reduce cancer deaths. You can take a positive step to decrease your own risk and help us achieve our goal, by deciding to take part.

There is no charge for this service and a physician's referral is not necessary although we encourage you to make an appointment with your family physician in order to have a breast examination prior to the screening mammogram. If you do not have a family physician, you may call the Centre where a list of physicians is available. After your visit, you will receive a letter telling you the results of your mammogram. A report will also be sent to your family physician.

If you have not had a mammogram in the last year and have never had breast cancer, please phone the breast screening site in your area to make an appointment To help us serve you better, please have your Medicare number ready when you phone.

In Region 2, the screening sites are:

We hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,

Barbara McGill
Vice-President - Nursing & Patient Care Development for Region 2 Breast Screening Program Region 2 Hospital Corporation / Corporation hospitalière de la Region 2