MANITOULIN—Anyone who has tried to access health services in the North knows how challenging our geography can be but thanks to the generous and dedicated support of the Angels in Pink and the Ontario Breast Screening Program, getting out to a possibly lifesaving breast cancer screening has just become a lot smoother for residents of Manitoulin Island.
“Early detection is a strong weapon against breast cancer,” said Jessica Diplock, manager at the Preventive Oncology and Screening Division of Health Sciences North. “Transportation has been identified as a barrier to accessing breast cancer screening services, especially in rural areas.”
As a response to these challenges, a pilot program has been launched over the summer months on Manitoulin Island by the Integrated Cancer Screening Program at the Northeast Cancer Centre of Health Sciences North with the goal of “increasing awareness of the transportation service available to women on the Island.”
“Our shuttle bus can be accessed at no charge to transport women to and from breast cancer screening (mammography) in Sudbury,” said Ms. Diplock.
Ms. Diplock noted that breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in females in Ontario. “Detecting breast cancer at an early stage is the purpose of breast cancer screening,” she said. “In 2010 to 2011, 61 percent of Ontario women aged 50 to 74 were screened for breast cancer with mammography. This means there are still many women who would benefit from screening.
The impact of early detection is vast. Between 1990 and 2008, breast cancer death rates for Ontario women in the 50 to 74 age category decreased by 37 percent due to improved cancer treatments, increased participation in breast cancer screening and a recent decrease in the incidence.
It is a simple two-step process to book a ride. First, the booking clerk collects your information and provides it to the scheduling office and then the office contacts you within a month to notify you when a shuttle pickup will be available in your area.
Those who wish to access the service are encouraged to contact the Ontario Breast Screening Program at 1-800-668-9304.
