New breast cancer screening letter for Alberta women 75+

The Alberta Breast Cancer Screening Program (ABCSP), within Alberta Health Services, is communicating with physicians about a letter that will be sent to some women when they turn 75.
The ABCSP follows the Toward Optimized Practice clinical practice guideline, recommending breast cancer screening for average risk women aged 50 to 74. Alberta women in this age range may receive reminder or mobile announcement letters from the ABCSP when they’re overdue for their next mammogram. However, these letters stop once a woman turns 75. Client feedback showed that many women were unaware of the next steps if they wished to continue with screening.
 
What do you need to know?
Beginning January 27, the ABCSP will send a letter to women when they turn 75. The letter advises them to speak to their health care provider about their personal benefits and risks if they wish to continue having screening mammograms. Reminder letters will not be sent to women who decide to have further breast cancer screening. In these cases, it’s important to continue to discuss benefits and risks of screening when patients are due for their next mammogram.
 
Visit screeningforlife.ca for cancer screening information and resources
    

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