Many of the symptoms of breast cancer are invisible and not noticeable without a professional screening like a mammogram. You can get this screening done locally at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance.

If you are aged 50-75: Cancer Care Ontario will mail women of this age group, inviting you to get screened for breast cancer through the Ontario Breast Screening Program. It is recommended that you start getting a mammogram every two years – no referral necessary!

If you are aged 50 or younger: Talk to your healthcare provider to see if you are at a higher risk which could mean being screened earlier. Regular breast screening can find cancer when it is small, which means:

• There is a better chance of treating the cancer successfully
• The cancer is less likely to spread
• There may be more treatment options

There are other symptoms, however, that can be felt or observed when you are being proactive about your breast health. Changes in your breasts to look for include:

• A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area
• A change in the size or shape of the breast
• Dimpling or puckering in the skin of the breast

Celebrate National Mammography Day by scheduling a mammogram today!