Breast Screening Program now at G&M

Collingwood General and Marine Hospital (CGMH) will now be performing mammograms in the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP), as the hospital has become an affiliated OBSP site.

The OBSP is a Cancer Care Ontario program dedicated to providing high-quality routine breast screening services for women ages 50-74. Breast screening is the routine examination of a woman’s breasts using mammography to assess breast health and detect early cancer.

It is recommended that women in this age group have a mammogram every two years, as part of their routine medical care, since early detection can result in significant health benefits, including increased treatment options and better survival rates.

“The program provides the women of our community with unprecedented access to mammography services and ensures direct communication of their results,” says Dr. Murray Miller, CGMH Chief Radiologist. Dr. Miller also noted the valuable feedback it provides the team members on quality and performance and maintaining an unparalleled standard.

The OBSP at CGMH provides care closer to home, as women no longer have to travel outside the South Georgian Bay region to be part of the program. Women can refer themselves to the program by calling the CGMH OBSP direct line to book their screening mammogram 705-444-8670.

Additional patient benefits include:

* The OBSP is accredited by the Canadian Association of Radiologists Mammography Accreditation Program

* A physician referral is NOT required, so eligible women who don’t have a primary care provider can book their mammogram and receive the results

* Patients and their physician will receive the results of the mammogram within 2-3 weeks

* If any additional tests are needed, the OBSP Clinic will contact the patient directly to book the appointment(s)

* Reminder letters are sent to patients when they are due for their next screening