Ross Memorial Hospital - Kawartha Lakes
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Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP)

Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP)

The Ontario Breast Screening Program is located in the Diagnostic Imaging department on the 1st floor of the Hospital, and can be reached at 705-328-6175.

The Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) was developed by Cancer Care Ontario in 1990 after careful studies indicated the importance, and illustrated the benefits of, breast cancer screening programs. Ross Memorial became an affiliate of the program in 1998 and today, there are approximately 395 visits per month. The Ontario Breast Screening Program provides a screening mammogram, which is a safe and effective way of detecting early problems. X-rays of each breast are taken and if there is any question, a follow-up appointment will be made.

It is recommended that women 50 years and older be screened every two years. Patients can book their own appointments or can be referred by their family physician. Ross Memorial Hospital will contact patients who have had a prior screening to book their follow-up appointments.

Eligible clients can self-refer for a mammogram in the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP). An appointment can be self-booked online through Caredove. Click here to book. 

Breast screening is very important in the early detection of cancer. If breast cancer is detected early, it is more likely to respond well to treatment and if treated, is less likely to spread. Women who are 50 years of age and older are encouraged to come to Ross Memorial for breast screening and if they have any questions or concerns about the procedure, staff are always willing to listen and provide information.

RMH - Breast Assessment Centre

Patients requiring breast imaging and assessment are benefitting from two significant developments that took place in late 2011.

Thanks to the fundraising support of the Dragon Flies Breast Cancer Survivor Group, the hospital was able to purchase specialized breast imaging software that works with the community’s new MRI. On October 21st, the Dragon Flies donated $31,250 to be directed toward the purchase of enhanced visualization software and a biopsy console.

This acquisition played a key role in the hospital’s successful application to become an accredited Breast Assessment Centre, affiliated with Cancer Care Ontario. Becoming a Breast Assessment Centre brings advantages and services not otherwise available at RMH and will significantly improve timeliness in diagnosis of breast abnormalities, earlier treatment, and increased patient compliance for follow-up care. The detection of an abnormality is an anxious time for patients, and delays in the process or uncoordinated care can be confusing and frustrating.

A key component of this improved service is the Breast Health Navigator role. The Breast Health Navigator coordinates the sequence of events from a patient’s abnormal screening through diagnosis and referrals, as well as education, counseling, consulting and monitoring. The hospital is part of the Cancer Care Ontario’s High Risk Breast Screening Program, which promotes a comprehensive breast care program for patients whose family history or genetics put them at a higher risk for developing breast cancer.

In 2018, the mammography equipment will be replaced with new equipment that coupled with exciting technology, will transform a patient’s breast health journey.